SWAMPSCOTT– The Swampscott powderpuff team entered Saturday’s game against Marblehead with one goal in mind. Swampscott, which hadn’t won the annual powderpuff tilt since 2013, was eager to avoid a five-year losing streak. Mission accomplished.
It took overtime and an ounce of luck but the Big Blue walked away with a 23-21 overtime win over the Magicians at Piper Field.
“It felt good,” Swampscott coach Joe Tenney, who has coached the Big Blue powderpuff team for 13 years, said. “I haven’t won in Marblehead since 2008. The girls loved it. They were ecstatic about it.
“It was a fantastic game,” Tenney continued. “A lot of the girls that I don’t know, it’s great to see a different side of them. It’s a great team-building experience.”
Sydney Cresta got the scoring started for the Big Blue with a 15-yard carry into the end zone (Sam Agresti PAT). Cresta then linked up with Nikki Rosa for a 55-yard touchdown pass (Grace DiGrande rush) and the game was tied at 15-15 at the end of regulation. Marblehead scored on its first possession of the overtime period but the Magicians fell short on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt.
Swampscott tied the game at 21-21 on a 12-yard pass from Cresta to Rosa that was tipped by DiGrande before Rosa corralled it in the end zone. DiGrande ran in the ensuing 2-point conversion to give Swampscott the 23-21 overtime victory.
“It was insane,” Rosa said. “There was so much energy and so much talking back and forth about who was going to win. We had a couple doubts but it was just awesome that we were able to put those aside and get the win.”
Rosa said she didn’t give up on the game-tying touchdown pass she hauled in during overtime.
“The play initially was supposed to go to me,” Rosa said. “Grace thought the ball was going to her. She tipped it enough so that when I dove it fell right into my lap. It was perfect.”
Tenney said the game raised just under $16,000. A portion of those proceeds will be donated to “Arms Around Sophia” which was started to support the late Sophia Smith, a Marblehead resident who died earlier this month after a 20-month battle with a rare brain tumor. Smith, who was often seen supporting Marblehead High teams at athletic events, died at the age of 12.
“Over the last few years we’ve raised around $10,000-$12,000,” Tenney said. “This year we raised just a tick under $16,000. I know a big portion is going to ‘Arms Around Sophia’ which is great for Marblehead. Each year, the winning team picks a charity and donates $2,000. We chose to donate $1,000 to Northeast Animal Shelter and $1,000 to My Brother’s Table.”
Tenney said he and the student-athletes appreciate the opportunity to help a good cause.
“I think that aspect is great,” Tenney said, “Especially when you’re able to go down there and hand the check with the kids. Their expressions and their attitudes, it makes it all worth it.”
With the annual Thanksgiving clash between Marblehead and Swampscott two days away (10 a.m. Thursday at Blocksidge Field), Tenney’s hopeful the good luck carries over to the Big Blue football team.
“They had a phenomenal season,” Tenney said. “I’ve coached a lot of those boys, I know a lot of them. I wish them nothing but the best. I’m hoping they get the big win on Thanksgiving. It’ll be great for those seniors to win against Marblehead at home.”
