In the series, which has been played since 1902, Haddonfield holds a 56-41-6 edge, including a current nine-game winning streak.
"It's really special to win this game," said Haddonfield's Chris Dengler, who struck for 173 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries in the second half.
"This game has been going on for 100 years and, every year, we know that we can never underestimate the opponent. It's just a really special game, and I'm honored to play in it."
Dengler's second-half performance came after he was shut down in the first two quarters, with 10 carries for 12 yards.
The Haddon Heights defense held the dynamic Haddonfield offense in check for two quarters.
But Haddonfield (11-0) was a different team in the second half, scoring on every one of its drives except for its final one when the clock ran out.
"I give Haddon Heights credit. They were outstanding in the first half," Haddonfield coach Frank DeLano said. "They gave us some looks that we haven't seen.
"They played physical. They played tough. Fortunately, we were able to make some tweaks and our offensive line did a phenomenal job."
One of the biggest tweaks was a much more downhill, up-the-middle style of play.
Haddonfield opened the third quarter with a seven-play drive, all runs, ending in a 9-yard touchdown run up the middle by quarterback Dan Ciemniecki.
The third quarter proved decisive as Haddonfield scored a touchdown on each of its three possessions and held Haddon Heights (8-3) to negative yardage.
"The first drive in the second half was huge," said Ciemniecki, who connected with wide receiver Matt Bhaya for a 30-yard touchdown on the Bulldogs' second third-quarter drive. "Coming out after halftime, we were kind of tense. But after we got that first score, we were really just able to play our game."
The win provided a chance for the Bulldogs to reflect on a perfect regular season, but rather than focus on what they've accomplished, they were quick to turn to what is still on the table.
Haddonfield will play Colonial Conference Liberty Division rival West Deptford on Dec. 3 at Rowan University for the South Jersey Group 2 title. West Deptford, with the exception of Thursday's first half, is the only team to really test the Bulldogs this season. Haddonfield escaped with a 31-21 road win over the Eagles on Sept. 30.
"We're already focused on West Deptford," Dengler said. "Hopefully, we can put a game plan together and beat them."
Haddonfield 0 0 21 14 – 35
Haddon Heights 0 0 0 0 – 0
H: Ciemniecki 9 run (Bhaya kick)
H: Bhaya 30 pass from Ciemniecki (Bhaya kick)
H: Dengler 46 run (Bhaya kick)
H: Dengler 18 run (Bhaya kick)
H: Dengler 59 run (Bhaya kick)
Contact Chris Melchiorre at rallysports@phillynews.com.
