THE POM POM GIRLS

The Rosedale High School “pom pom girls,” Sue Ann, Sally, Roxanne, Laurie and Judy, are courted by the school's star football teammates Johnnie Chrystal and Jesse Davis, and Duane, a longtime rival of Johnnie's. Jesse and Roxanne make a connection, but Laurie, her closest friend, dislikes him, while Johnnie and Duane compete for Sally's attention.

The players and cheerleaders engage in prank escalation with their main rivals, Hardin High. The constant retaliations culminate in commandeering an antique fire engine from the Hardin Fire Department, driving it onto the field during football practice, and spraying the entire team and cheerleading squad with the fire hose. Coach Hartman and Principal Myers gather a large group of students, hoping to find the responsible parties, but the perpetrators are shielded by the group, all of whom admit guilt.

Jesse and Laurie ultimately do find chemistry, but also has a tryst with Sue Ann, which he regrets soon after. The tension between Duane and Johnnie grows violent at a home game. Jesse's erratic behavior with women leads his coach to caution him about his choices, and ultimately cut him from the team. After initially contemplating leaving town, after spending a night with Laurie, he decides to return to school, where he takes responsibility and quits the football team.

Meanwhile, Duane challenges Johnnie to a game of “Suicide Chicken,” wherein the two contestants drive each other's cars toward a cliff, and the winner is the one who stops last before going over. Johnnie accepts the challenge. The contestants exchange cars, and when Sally gives the signal, both drive toward the cliff. Duane stops short but Johnnie continues over the cliff, where Duane's car crashes and burns. As his friends initially believe him dead, Johnnie emerges alive, having jumped from the car before it reached the cliff.

After a series of escalating pranks and romantic complications, Duane and Johnnie face off in a dangerous game of “Suicide Chicken.” Johnnie drives Duane’s car over a cliff but survives by jumping out just in time.

The film’s climax literalizes the high-stakes bravado and reckless spirit that define its teenage characters. By surviving the ultimate dare, Johnnie both cements his status and exposes the thin line between bravado and disaster. The ending underscores the film’s theme of youthful invincibility while hinting at the real risks behind adolescent games.