Marblehead–Swampscott, a rivalry more than 100 years old, kicked off its festivities over the weekend with the Powderpuff football game. A low-scoring matchup at Blocksidge Field saw Marblehead come away with a 3–0 win.
The game had everything: late drama, plenty of penalties and plenty of physical play, as the teams went back and forth and entered halftime scoreless.
In the second half, Marblehead had several chances. Sydney Ball showcased her speed when she broke free for a 38-yard touchdown, but the score was called back because of a penalty.
Late in the fourth quarter, a Swampscott penalty gave Marblehead excellent field position. Swampscott responded with three big stops inside its own 10, but Marblehead elected to attempt a field goal with just over 30 seconds remaining.
Marblehead’s Courtney Hitscherich was called on to take the kick.
Hitscherich stepped up and drilled it down the middle, giving Marblehead a 3–0 lead and, ultimately, the win.
Swampscott managed to reach midfield in the final seconds, but time ran out before the Big Blue could answer, giving Marblehead early bragging rights for rivalry week.
Now, as the buildup to the Thanksgiving football game continues, students and staff at Swampscott High are gearing up for the holiday matchup. Swampscott athletic director Kelly Wolff said the week brings the school community together.
“It is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the community to come together,” Wolff said. “You can feel the excitement in the halls here at Swampscott High School. Students and staff are dressed in their Big Blue gear, finishing touches are being put on the rally by our Student Council, and of course the team is working hard and focused on preparing for the game.”
Marblehead athletic director Kent Wheeler echoed the excitement surrounding both the Powderpuff and the Thanksgiving game.
“The buildup to the Powderpuff game and the week before the Thanksgiving football game are exciting times for our students and communities. It’s a storied end-of-season football rivalry and homecoming all in one,” Wheeler said. “For many of our students, this is a week they will never forget. The Powderpuff game was outstanding, and we are looking forward to a great game on Thanksgiving Day.”
Both Wolff and Marblehead football coach Jim Rudloff highlighted the tradition behind a rivalry that has lasted more than a century.
“The significance of this week for our students is focused on tradition and, of course, the rivalry that has been going on for over 100 years,” Wolff said.
For Rudloff, the history is what makes the matchup special.
“We are fortunate to have such a great rivalry,” Rudloff said. “Regardless of the year or decade, the games are always close and competitive. Especially nowadays with the new playoff system, it is a great way to end the year if you’re not going to a Super Bowl.”
Swampscott head coach Peter Bush emphasized that regardless of either team’s record, this game stands on its own.
“This 2025 season has tested us in every possible way, but Thanksgiving week reminds us why we do this. All the noise fades, and the only thing that matters is the game in front of us,” Bush said. “Our kids have battled all year. Some weeks went our way, some didn’t, but now we get to focus on the game that means the most to this community.”
Attention now turns to Thanksgiving morning, when the Magicians host Swampscott at SSG Christopher N. Piper Field for a 10 a.m. kickoff.
