Marc Narducci: South Jersey Group 2 tournament is Colonial showcase

The Haddonfield game was played at 2 p.m. at its home field, and Haddon Township hosted its game at 4 p.m. only a few miles away.

So it was a good opportunity to see South Jersey Group 2 and the Colonial's top four teams, and there was plenty to view.

Besides the fact that the four teams have the requisite talent needed to advance this far into the postseason, the most impressive aspects were the level of play and the sportsmanship.

Both teams went at each other hard, and we do emphasize the word hard. But there was no extra curricular activity, no shenanigans. Just good soccer.

"This game was as tough and physical as any I have coached against West Deptford, and that is the way it should be," Haddonfield coach Glenn Gess said.

For years, these two have been battling for Colonial supremacy. Last year, they tied for the Colonial Liberty title. Haddonfield was the champion this year, mainly due to two regular-season wins over the Eagles. It is truly a spirited rivalry because these two have set such a high standard.

"Neither of us has to motivate our kids for our games against each other," West Deptford coach John Cobb said.

Before the game was five minutes old, Haddonfield was on the board on a diving header by Sarah Dudek, who converted a pass from Kathleen Jordan.

That set the early tone. Haddonfield took it to the Eagles in the first half. West Deptford had the better play in the second half.

There were two top teams, but there could only be one winner.

"When we play them, it's head-on nonstop," said Dudek, who has 11 goals.

Meanwhile, Haddon Township kept its head after seeing Haddon Heights take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Rebecca Tustin before the game was two minutes old.

A few minutes later, ace sweeper Lauren McCutcheon put on her offensive hat and drilled a 22-yard direct kick into the back of the net for the equalizer.

With the score still tied, Heights was called for a handball inside the box, and the Hawks' Jess Dochney converted the penalty kick for a 2-1 lead with 27 minutes, 28 seconds left in the second half.

Less than three minutes later, Haddon Township got a cushion when Carly Francis hit a laser from 25 yards out for the game's final goal.

That sets up a great final, with Colonial Liberty champion Haddonfield against Colonial Patriot champ Haddon Township.

Both teams, along with the two other semifinalists, have already shown championship qualities regardless of the result of the sectional final.

West Deptford 0 0 - 0

Haddonfield 1 0 - 1

Goals: H-Sarah Dudek.

Saves: W-Alicia Barger 14, H-Christina Davis 7.

Haddon Heights 1 0 - 1

Haddon Township 1 2 - 3

Goals: HH-Rebecca Tustin; HT-Lauren McCutcheon, Jess Dochney (PK), Carly Francis.

Saves: HH-Joelle Orlando 10, HT-Katie Getzinger 7.