Blue Thriller 28-26 at Blocksidge

Fast hands, hard noses and big plays brought victory to the Swampscott Big Blue girls flag football team Saturday.

Those big plays came on both sides of the ball at Blocksidge Field in the 28-26 overtime victory over rival Marblehead.

A big play on offense was Lauren Sullivan's game-saving, field-length dash to the end zone on a kick-off return after a Marblehead touchdown in the 4th quarter.

A big play on defense was Haley McDevitt's game ending snare of a Marblehead runner's flag at the goal line in overtime.

Ultimately, the Big Blue would not be denied in a game where their resiliency shined.

They were down 7-0. And came back to tie it. Down 14-7 halfway through the 4th quarter. And came back to tie it.

Swampscott Coach Joe Tenney lauded the effort, his first overtime game, a double-overtime sudden-death win. 

"Both sides — bang up job," he said. "Joe Bennett's defense (was) clutch, just clutch ... Haley McDevitt ... huge last stop for the win."

Joe Tenney and Joseph Bennet are advisors to this class, the Class of 2014.

"I'm proud of these girls, this class and lost for words to have such a class guy, friend and coworker than coach Bennett ...," said Coach Tenney.

Swampscott got a touchdown run from Jacqui Walsh and scores in overtime from Leah Dawley.

They had a strong kicking game and a hard-nosed defense.

Several times the last, lone Swampscott defender made touchdown stopping plays grabbing the flag of an end-zone bound Marblehead runner.