The Pom Pom Girls

The star quarterback and swaggering leader of the football team. Johnnie embodies competitive bravado, courting attention from the pom-pom girls while keeping rivals close. His late-game decision in the Suicide Chicken challenge tests his courage and ultimately reshapes his outlook on risk and responsibility.

A talented but volatile player whose romantic escapades threaten team cohesion. Jesse's erratic behavior draws stern warnings from the coach and leads to his temporary removal from the squad. His arc covers desire, consequences, and a return to take responsibility.

Johnnie's longtime rival who fuels the rivalry with bravado and aggressive challenges. He participates in the perilous Suicide Chicken showdown, embodying risk-taking and the darker side of teenage competition. His clashes with Johnnie drive the film's suspense and danger.

A coveted pom-pom girl drawn into the attention from both Johnnie and Duane. Her participation reflects the social pressures of popularity and romance within the high-school crowd. She navigates the attention with a mix of charm and discernment.

A pom-pom girl who forms a connection with Jesse, intensifying the love-triangle dynamics. She stands at the center of the social web where friendship, desire, and competition collide. Her choices ripple through the squad.

One of the pom-pom girls whose loyalty and friendship shape the squad's dynamics. She disapproves of Jesse’s pursuing of her friends and emphasizes boundaries within the group. Laurie represents the tension between affection and loyalty.

Another member of the pom-pom squad whose presence underscores the social circle's energy. Judy contributes to the ensemble dynamic and the film's light, flirtatious atmosphere. Her role highlights the group's interconnected relationships.

A pom-pom girl whose relationship with Jesse sparks one of the story's key romantic complications. Her flirtations and later regret reveal the impact of casual romance within a tight-knit crowd. Sue Ann's perspective adds emotional depth to the goings-on.

The coach who tries to steer Jesse away from reckless choices and keep the team on track. He balances discipline with the realities of teenage life, offering tough feedback and guidance. His decisions shape the team’s fate and show the stakes of leadership.

The school's principal who, along with teachers and staff, tries to manage the fallout from pranks and rivalries. His authority represents the collective effort to maintain order in a high-energy teenage environment. He plays a key backdrop role in resolving conflicts.