What did Reese throw in Humilithon?

[Blinky]

In "Humilithon" (Season 4), Hal, Lois, Malcolm and Reese are driving to school. Apparently, the boys don't want to be seen at school with their parents, and the following conversation takes place:
Lois: Hal, look, here’s the parking lot.
Malcolm: You can let us out here.
Reese: Yeah Dad, here’s good.
Lois: Don’t be silly, we’re all going to the same place. Hal, look, a space right up front, right next to the Cheerleaders.

Malcolm: (as he and Reese run away from Hal and Lois) Thanks for what you did back there.
Reese: Firecracker did all the work. That’s the good thing about Cheerleaders, they stand peat easily.
Malcolm: Let’s get inside before Mom and Dad see – (they see Mr Herkabe)
Now, could someone kindly explain to me what exactly Reese did that earned him Malcolm's gratitude?

[PBUNDY]

I always assumed that Reese threw some firecrackers on the sidewalk next to the cheerleaders, and they got scared and ran away and happened to run over people in the process.

[patrick4488]

Originally Posted by PBUNDY

I always assumed that Reese threw some firecrackers on the sidewalk next to the cheerleaders, and they got scared and ran away and happened to run over people in the process.

Same here, that explanation makes sense.

[Amigo22]

Originally Posted by PBUNDY

I always assumed that Reese threw some firecrackers on the sidewalk next to the cheerleaders, and they got scared and ran away

Yeah, I thought that's what he'd done too.

[Blinky]

It should probably be "they stampede easily" instead of "stand peat"