Growing up in Haddonfield, P.K. Schlitt and his buddies sensed that Bulldogs boys' soccer was synonymous with South Jersey and state titles.
That's what made Haddonfield's 1-0 victory over archrival Haddon Heights in Friday's South Jersey Group 2 title game so special for Schlitt and his senior classmates.
Ending what coach Joe Falana termed "a drought," host Haddonfield won its first sectional title since 2006. The Bulldogs have 15 South Jersey titles and seven state crowns.
"This is the biggest win we've ever had since I've been here," said Schlitt, a senior forward who assisted on the game's only goal. "You grow up wanting to be on this field. We've seen Haddonfield win state championships. To be out here in front of all these people, it's amazing."
Alex Johnston scored the lone goal as Haddonfield (19-2-1) advanced to face Central Jersey champion Holmdel in Tuesday's state semifinals at Bishop Eustace. Holmdel captured its sectional title with a 2-1 win over Gov. Livingston.
The 7:30 semifinal will be the nightcap of a Group 2 doubleheader in which the Haddonfield girls' team will play Robbinsville at 5.
Haddon Heights (15-5-4), the defending South Jersey Group 2 champion, was led by junior goalie Jon Weaver, who made nine saves, and senior midfielder Austin McCleery.
"It's going to be tough to say goodbye to these seniors," Haddon Heights coach Jeff Eppright said. "They had a great four-year run."
Haddon Heights, which split two games with Haddonfield during the regular season, got the better of the chances in the first half on a cool, windy afternoon at Scout Field. But the Garnets couldn't convert their opportunities.
"That's been the story of our season," Eppright said. "We didn't cash in, and it came back to get us."
With the wind at its back, Haddonfield picked up its play in the second half. The Bulldogs generated several scoring chances but were stymied time and again by Weaver in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Haddonfield finally broke through when Schlitt dribbled down the left side, beat a defender, and fed a low pass in the box to Johnston, a junior who leads the Bulldogs in goals with 15.
Johnston whirled and fired a low, hard shot that crossed just inside the right post.
"It's huge," Johnston said. "We haven't won the South Jersey championship in a while."
Haddonfield also received a strong game from senior goalie Vince DelDuca, who made 12 saves.
"Haddon Heights always comes out strong," Falana said. "We just needed to calm down. Alex and P.K. are dangerous up top. I was hoping we could get one, and they went out and got it."
Four years between sectional titles isn't a bad deal for most programs. But Haddonfield isn't most programs.
"We wanted to show that Haddonfield is back," Schlitt said. "It's something you dream about doing."
Haddon Heights 0 0 – 0
Haddonfield 0 1 – 1
Goals: H-Alex Johnston.
Saves: HH-Jon Weaver 9; H-Vince DelDuca 12.
Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter. Read his blog, "Jersey Side Sports," at www.philly.com/jerseysidesports
