With just one minute left in the annual Powder Puff Flag Football game between Swampscott High School and Marblehead High School, the scoreboard still read 0-0.
Swampscott’s senior girls took the field Saturday, November 22 against Marblehead in the Powder Puff tradition. The two sides had swarmed opposing ball carriers for the duration of the game, leading to a tight defensive duel at Blocksidge Field.
As the seconds ticked away, Marblehead found themselves in a position to potentially score and win the game. The Magicians had first down and goal from the Swampscott six-yard line. Like they had all morning, Swampscott’s defense held strong, stopping their opponents on three straight plays to force a pivotal fourth down.
There were just 30 seconds left, and Marblehead lined up to attempt a field goal.
The hundreds of fans in attendance watched nervously as the kick sailed through the uprights to secure a 3-0 victory for Marblehead.
“I don’t like how it ended, but I was impressed with the way we played,” said Dylan Kesselman, a senior at Swampscott who coached the team along with other classmates. “We were able to stay composed and we never turned against each other.”
Fiona Keaney and Jamie Andrews were two of the Big Blue’s main offensive threats, each carrying the ball for multiple successful plays over the course of the game.
Kesselman said the Powder Puff game is an integral part of senior year at Swampscott High School, serving as one of the “last hoorahs” for outgoing seniors.
In recent weeks, the team, made up of over 50 seniors, practiced every day for the big rivalry game.
“A lot of effort has gone into this,” said Kesselman. “We’ve been treating them like a real football team. They have been going hard every day in practice.”
As the seniors took the field, the rest of the student body chanted and cheered loudly as cold rain fell throughout the game.
“This game means a lot,” said Kesselman. “Our towns are so alike. It’s blue vs. red. It’s just how these towns have been running for god knows how long. Powder Puff represents that.”
Kesselman said he was proud of the team for the progress they made in practice and how the hard work put in was evident on the field. Many of the girls went into the first practice knowing barely anything about the sport, he said.
“I’m just so proud,” he said. “The girls got to show out in front of so many people – In front of everybody.”
The two neighboring schools will meet again for their annual Thanksgiving football game on Thursday, November 27. The game will be played at Piper Field in Marblehead at 10 a.m.
