Surprise, surprise.

The first surprise was West Deptford's R.J. Falls breaking through the line to block a punt that was returned for a touchdown in the game's first two minutes.

The second surprise was the productive passing of Eagles' sophomore quarterback Jake Hannan.

But the outcome was no surprise.

West Deptford 35, Haddonfield 13.

The Eagles (5-0, 4-0) are eight-time defending Colonial Conference Liberty Division champions. They are in position for their ninth straight title after using big plays on special teams and defense to beat the Bulldogs (4-1, 2-1) before a large crowd at West Deptford's field.

"Coach said defense was going to win it and that special teams could rip out their heart," said Falls, a junior defensive end who also registered three sacks.

West Deptford always seems to find a way, especially in this conference, especially in these kinds of games, especially on this field.

"It's going to take a heck of an effort to beat us on this field," West Deptford coach Clyde Folsom said. "Our kids love to play in their hometown."

This time, it was special teams, defense, and a couple of big plays by a 10th-grade quarterback who is only starting because of a season-ending injury to senior Nick Iraldi.

Hannan made the most of his time under center in the biggest of game of his varsity career to date. His first two passes were huge: a 52-yarder that set up a touchdown that broke a 7-7 tie, and a 7-yard scoring strike that gave the Eagles a 21-7 lead at halftime.

"I thought that was the play of the game," Folsom said of Hannan's swing pass to Scott, who raced down the left sideline to the Haddonfield six-yard line.

Two plays later, West Deptford senior running back Ken Tamasitis was in the end zone and the Eagles were on their way to their eighth consecutive victory over the Bulldogs.

"We knew they were a good team," said Tamasitis, a two-way back who made two interceptions. "Coach said that was the best Haddonfield team that he's seen."

Haddonfield is a good team and the Bulldogs will make some more noise before the end of this season. This wasn't the end for them.

But it was another reminder of the remarkable consistency of the West Deptford program. The Eagles keep churning out quality teams that run that Wing-T offense, that swarm to the football on defense, and that excel in the kicking game.

The bulls-eye has been on the Eagles' backs for years, especially when it comes to Colonial Conference play. But they always seem to answer the challenge.

"Our kids work so hard," Folsom said. "They play every game like it's their last. They understand that it's high school football and it's a short-term thing.

"They work so hard in the off-season to prepare for this. They never seem to letdown when they face a challenge."

The Eagles' offense got those big plays from Hannan, some nice work from Scott, who also scored on a four-yard run out of the Wildcat formation, and a strong game from senior Jimmy Owens (19 carries, 153 yards). Owens' 75-yard touchdown run on the first series of the second half gave the Eagles a 28-7 lead.

But it was defense and special teams on this night. Folsom calls Haddonfield quarterback Phil Bhaya "one of the best athletes in South Jersey." Bhaya made some plays, too, completing 14 of 28 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown and also running for a touchdown.

But the Eagles picked off three passes and sacked Bhaya five times. Interceptions by linebacker Dan Short and Tamasitis created field position that the home team cashed into touchdowns.

"We knew it was going to be a big challenge for our defense," Tamasitis said.

It's always a challenge for the Eagles, and they always seem to respond.

This team always seems to develop players who emerge from that youth organization, from those off-season workouts, from the daily competition of one of South Jersey's best programs.

Surprise, surprise?

At West Deptford, the real shock would be if the Eagles didn't rise up on a night when an unbeaten opponent came to town.

Haddonfield 7 0 6 0 -- 13

West Deptford 7 14 7 7 -- 35

WD: Fearon 10 return with blocked punt (Cornelius kick)

H: P. Bhaya 4 run (Rivard kick)

WD: Tamasitis 5 run (Cornelius kick)

WD: Coremin 7 pass from Hannan (Cornelius kick)

WD: Owens 75 run (Cornelius kick)

H: M. Bhaya 4 pass from P. Bhaya (kick fail)

WD: Scott 4 run (Cornelius kick)

Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223 or panastasia@phillynews.com.