New Britain Powder Puffs Lose in Overtime to Southington

New Britain High School’s Powder Puff team lost 17-14 in overtime on Monday night against Southington High School.

The game winning 20-yard field goal came from Southington’s Caroline Kemnitz.

New Britain was led by a strong performance from quarterback Jamyra Irizarry, who was a pivotal factor in the Hurricanes two scoring drives.

While all the girls on the team did a fantastic job preparing for and playing in the game, Anna Stryjewska handled the loss with class.  “We gave it our all  and I’m so proud to be part of this team. I love these girls and I’m proud of each and every one of them,” said Stryjewska.

Even though the game was in Southington, New Britain still had plenty of support in the stands from friends and family members of all the senior girls on the team.

New Britain Superintendent Nancy Sarra had a positive outlook on the game, “W
hether or not we win the game is second to the camaraderie and teamwork along the way. It’s a great opportunity for the kids to meet new people and demonstrate our talent!“

Last year, New Britain dominated Southington by a score of 30-0. The Hurricanes were looking to defeat Southington in back to back years for the first time since winning three games in a row from 2009-11, but came up just short.

All the seniors on the team worked hard to get ready for the game. The Powder Puff team has been practicing twice a week since September. Proceeds from ticket and refreshment sales go to senior class funds.

This was the eighth season in a row for New Britain’s Powder Puff team. The idea for the team originally came from Janice Pina, who is the current assistant principal at Slade Middle School, Pina’s husband Carlos was a former football coach at New Britain High School, and volunteered to be the head coach of the Powder Puff team.

In fact, all the coaches and staff at the game work as volunteers. Pina originally thought of the idea because she wanted to come up with a fundraiser that was out of the ordinary for the senior class.

“Through our dedicated fundraising efforts, we’ve been able to provide the players with Powder Puff gear, personalized jerseys, scholarships and more,” Pina said.

Along with Superintendent Sarra,  Joseph Pinchera, New Britain High School’s Principal, were both honorary captains for the Powder Puff game.

“This is a great opportunity for our girls to get on the football field and have some fun. They are ready to compete and I know they will give it their all. We are looking forward to a great game on Monday,” Pinchera said.