SCRAPBOOK: Blue Spirit Soars in 28-14 Victory

The junior class girls were jumping and screaming outside the Blocksidge field house long before Saturday afternoon's flag football kick-off.

They were jumping and screaming and dancing to DJ Kaz's Party Rock Anthem.

They were awaiting game time against Marblehead.

The arc of their enthusiasm grew for 20 minutes before cresting as the Swampscott Big Blue seniors streamed from the field house, down the stairs and on to the field.

Two juniors who were part of the spirit squad explained their enthusiasm like this:

"It's because Marblehead is our all-time rival," said Jenna Resnick.

"It's a one-time thing and we are looking forward to our turn as seniors," said Paulina Ferullo. "We came out to support our girls."

That still didn't seem to account for the level of enthusiasm.

"We had a huge breakfast," Jenna said.

 Yes, agreed Paulina. They had muffins and toast and coffee, the whole nine yards.

The senior girls grabbed momentum from their weeks of intense practice, took momentum from the juniors' cheers and took momentum from the crowd.

Energy was palpable on the sidelines and it transferred to the field where big plays on defense kept the game tight until the Blue offense sprung big running plays.

The teams were so energized that flag football was inching close to tackle on some plays.

Fans on both sides of the field were astounded by the emotion and energy the girls were expressing.

Swampscott High science teacher Paul Korchari said he has taught at a few schools, including down South where football is king.

"But I've never seen powder puff like this," he said.

Marblehead High math teacher Larry McWilliams said he has never seen spirit like this on any high school field.

"The spirit of this powder puff game is equal to three or four boys games," he said.

The Big Blue girls generated an enormous wave that swept over the final three quarters in a very physical game, winning 28-14.

Still, on the Marblehead side, even with two minutes to go, team members were propping each other up. They urged each other to keep fighting and told each other they would pull out a victory.

Swampscott players were elated as it became more and more clear that they were about to pull off the victory that they had wanted so badly.

After the clock ran out, the Marblehead coach told her seniors that they had played hard and she was proud of them.

The Swampscott coaches were clearly proud. The players' commitment on the practice field and to a team effort had paid off with a big win.

The Blue players were jubilant in victory, swarming the field, pumping Number 1 fingers for photos at midfield, taking a victory lap.

Ultimately, they must have experienced a letdown or been emotionally drained after so much cheering, effort and joy.