Cheshire Versus Southington Powder Puff Game
November 26, 2008 by Greg Lederer
In recent years, the annual Powder Puff football classic between Cheshire and Southington High School has become an offensive showcase. Just two years ago, the senior rivals combined for 71 points (38-33) at the David B. Maclary Complex.
However, this year’s meeting contained a slightly different atmosphere. Except for a couple long runs, each defense held tough, and the teams ended up settling for a 14-14 tie on Nov. 25. It was the first draw between the programs and the traditional series remains deadlocked at 6-6.
Cheshire High School’s Kim Silva rushed for a game-high 214 yards and two touchdowns, the first of which covered 54 yards and opened the scoring in the second quarter. The Blue Knights answered right back on a three-yard run from Alexis Braziel and took a 7-6 advantage into halftime.
Molly Alfieri extended the lead early in the fourth quarter, breaking loose for a 51-yard touchdown. The clock started to work against the Rams as they approached a critical fourth down and seven.
Silva followed her blockers through the middle before bouncing outside for a 65-yard score. She ran the following two-point conversion into the end zone, tying the game at 14-14.
“It felt awesome,” said Laura Bunnell, of the comeback. “As soon as she (Silva) scored, I knew we would get the two-point conversion.”
“I don’t know if they will put it in for next year,” said Cheshire Head Coach George Gihuly, of overtime. “We’d be here till midnight if they did it tonight.”
Players and coaches had a tough time saying good-bye to the Powder Puff experience.
“We achieved so much more than the game,” said Silva. “It brought us all together.”
“We had a mud practice that you wouldn’t believe,” said Gihuly. “They are so much of a team. It’s tough to let them go.”
For full coverage, read the Dec. 4 issue of The Cheshire Herald.