Last Saturday, December 4, the HMHS football team had the opportunity to play their regional championship against Point Pleasant Boro High School at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Before the game, the HMHS Marching Band and Color Guard had a short performance, entertaining the crowd with their talents. The Madrigals singing group, which we are all a part of, was invited to sing the national anthem at Rutgers. It was a very exciting opportunity, as we had never done anything like that before, and it was so much fun!

At 10 am on this crisp and beautiful Saturday morning, the game began. Tensions were high between opposing teams and fan sections. Point Pleasant Boro’s supporters filled the stadium,  flashing bright posters and even using a mascot! While the Haddonfield fan section was a little smaller than usual due to the long drive and it being a Saturday, our enthusiasm helped stir up the crowd and encourage the players with various chants, the occasional song, and “drum rolls” on the metal seats. Another morale booster was the cheerleading team. Their spirited routines and tricks kept the team and crowd excited! 

When all was said and done, the Bulldawgs pulled out a win, 28HF-27PP! However, as one can see from the final score, this was an extremely close game that came down to the last ten suspense-filled seconds. What a nail-biter! Here’s a recap of some key moments:

With 5 minutes and 48 seconds left in the 1st quarter, Point Pleasant Boro scored a touchdown. They were able to recover an onside kick, which led to a second touchdown. It was only the first quarter, and we were already down by 14. Early in the second quarter, however, Haddonfield fought back, scoring a touchdown. Even though we missed the extra point, we showed Point Pleasant that we were to be taken seriously. With about six minutes left in the second quarter, PP scored another touchdown, so the score was bumped to 21PP-6HF. But, with three minutes left in the quarter, Haddonfield secured 6 more points (and the extra point!) after a touchdown on a third down and 10 from the 20 yard line (21-13). In the third quarter, we scored on a run to the end zone, followed by a successful two-point conversion to tie the game. Early in the 4th quarter, Haddonfield was able to stop PP after they went for it on a 4th and 6. Haddonfield then took over with 11 minutes left. After 2 successful fourth down conversions, Haddonfield scored another touchdown on a QB keeper.  With an extra point, the score was now 21PP-28HF with 5 minutes left. PP moved the ball down the field in the final minutes of the game, scoring a touchdown with 8 seconds left, bringing the score to 27PP – 28HF. This was it: a PP extra point would tie up the game and force overtime. Haddonfield fans were at the edge of the seats. To their surprise, the kicker missed the extra point, keeping Haddonfield in the lead. After PP made an unsuccessful onside kick attempt (with the hope that they could regain possession of the ball), Haddonfield took over the ball and ran out the final seconds to win the championship game! Both the football team and the Haddonfield fans went wild, in awe of our victory considering the comeback it required!!

When it was clear the Dawgs had won, the players rushed the field, hoisting a gleaming, gold trophy high above their heads, a shining reward for all of the hard work the players and coaches put into the season. This triumph will be one that this team will never forget. Plus, the unity we, the fans and students, all saw and felt on the field and in the stands that day was something we will never forget, either. 

Go Dawgs! Until next year…