Haddonfield Football Blanks Paulsboro

As the old adage goes, defense wins championships. If that rings true this year, the Haddonfield Bulldawgs have a very good chance of repeating as South Jersey Group II state champions.

The Dawgs held Paulsboro to zero yards of total offense on Saturday en route to a 35-0 win that improved the team’s record to 6-0. That is an accomplishment in itself, but against a Red Raiders squad that was also undefeated coming into the game is something Haddonfield head coach Frank DeLano was beaming about afterwards.

“We’re just so proud of our guys today,” DeLano said. “The way these kids play with each other and for each other, it’s such a selfless group. Against a storied team like Paulsboro, with all its trophies, playoff history and championships—it’s a special day, no doubt."

“These kids just pride themselves on defense,” he added. “Even in practice, our guys just swarm. I play scout team quarterback, and I’m the guy who’s most scared on the field everyday.”

On the offensive side of the ball, three rushing touchdowns from senior quarterback Dan Ciemniecki and two from senior running back Chris Dengler powered the Bulldawgs. Dengler broke a scoreless tie in the second quarter with a 48-yard touchdown run.

“Having him behind me makes my job easier,” said senior fullback and linebacker Robert Perkins. “I know I can take a guy on and he’s making the right cut every time.”

Dengler would rush 17 times for 142 yards on the day, while Ciemniecki carried the ball 13 times for 48 yards. The Bulldawgs showed off some of their no-huddle offense, which worked well for the team.

“Our kids really like it,” DeLano said. “It’s something that really helps us gain momentum.”

Outside of Dengler’s long run, Haddonfield wasn’t able to get the big plays the team is accustomed to seeing. That didn’t matter though, as they were able to move the chains without much resistance.

But defense is where this game was won. The Bulldawgs only gave up one first down on the day, and were able to just dominate on all ends.

“It was just a total team effort,” said senior linebacker Carson Stack. “We’ve got a senior class that’s been together since youth football. We know our strengths and weaknesses and there’s no all-star trying to make every play. We play assignment football and that allows everyone to perform.”

Haddonfield returns home on Friday night to take on Overbrook.