Phil Anastasia: Haddonfield football seniors bridge past, future

It's a game about the past and a game about the future.

It's a game about carrying on the tradition and a game about passing it forward.

Haddonfield and Haddon Heights played for the 100th time yesterday. It's a rivalry that stretches back to 1902, through the seasons, through the generations, through the old-timers in the stands and the teenagers on the field.

For one moment, as the sun shone on the damp dirt in the middle of Haddonfield's old stadium, one group was part of both: The link from the past to the future.

Crossing the grass from one end zone to the other, holding hands in a ceremonial walk to mark their final time together on their home field, Haddonfield's eight seniors were the bridge from the teams of the past to the teams of the future.

"We're passing on something," Haddonfield senior linebacker Evan Lick said after the Bulldogs' 28-14 victory in a Colonial Conference game. "This game, this day, is all about the future and the past. It's all about what came before us and what we can pass along to the kids who will come after us."

It was some crowd - and some game. Haddonfield officials estimated that around 5,000 spectators filled the stadium and spilled onto the track, where they stood 10-deep at the corner of both end zones.

They saw a great game. It was 14-14 at halftime, and both teams played with an intensity that reflected the rich history of one of South Jersey's best rivalries.

"Our kids left it all on the field," Haddon Heights coach Tim George said. "That's why they are so frustrated right now. They gave it everything they've got, and that's all you can ask.

"Give Haddonfield credit. They did what they to do in the second half."

Haddonfield has a bunch of playmakers who likely will be back in this game next season, and beyond, including junior quarterback Phil Bhaya (8-for-12 passing, 173 yards, two touchdowns) and sophomore wingback Kevin Davis (four receptions, 71 yards, two touchdowns).

The Bulldogs are good now. They finished 8-3, including an impressive Group 2 playoff victory over Woodrow Wilson.

And they are going to be even better in the future, based on the talent of their returning players and the development of the town's youth football program.

"I remember when we were little, we used to wear those striped socks like we wore today," Lick said, referring to the black-and-red, horizonal-striped jobs that appeared to be part homage to the teams of the 1940s and part wardrobe stolen from the witch who ended up under the house in

The Wizard of Oz

. "We weren't too good. We would be lucky to win one or two games.

"Now, we're 8-3, and these kids are going to take over."

That's always what this game is about, what this day is about: The past linking with the future. That's why there were so many alumni, from both schools, in attendance.

But only the seniors, from both teams, get to stand with one cleat in both camps. They begin the morning as players, wide-eyed teenagers set for their final game. And by afternoon, they are alumni of the programs, with more in common with some of those folks in the stands than with their younger teammates.

"Coach always says this is the first game of next year," Haddonfield senior tight end/linebacker Joey Gavranich said. "It starts today for next year's team, and they have to carry it forward."

One last time, they crossed the field, holding hands, still in uniform. One last time, they were high school football players.

But by the time they got from one end zone to the other, it was over. They were just like those other players, the ones who started in 1902 and the ones who played in 1936 and the ones who played in 1965 and the ones who played last year.

"It's bittersweet," Gavranich said. "It's sad to say goodbye. But to say goodbye with a win, that tops it off."