"When we play Cinnaminson, it is like a state championship," Ruff said.

The Pirates appeared in control when Max DiLeo, who gave Delran's defense fits all day, headed in a bouncing header with 18 minutes, 51 seconds left in regulation time.

With the way Cinnaminson was playing defense, it looked as if the lead would hold. Delran, however, got back in the game 27 seconds later when the Bears were awarded a penalty kick after Cinnaminson was called for a hand ball inside the box.

Dominic Nocito drilled in the penalty kick, and the Bears had new life.

"Maybe getting down a goal was the spark this team needed," said Delran coach Mike Otto, whose team is a defending state Group 2 cochampion.

All game long, the Bears had difficultly dealing with DiLeo, whose quickness and ability to work in tight quarters made it a long day for any opposing defender.

With a little more than 11 minutes left in regulation time, DiLeo hit the post on a shot from an extreme angle on the left side.

Both teams are rivals in the Burlington County League's Liberty Division, and the intensity was multiplied because it was the postseason.

"For us, playing Delran is the biggest game of the year," DiLeo said. "This was a tough one to take."

In the sudden-death overtime, Delran won on what could be called a double-header. Joe Hackimer, another player who was all over the field, headed the ball to Ruff, who then finished matters with his own header.

"I was wide-open, and I wanted to get it on goal," Ruff said.

So Delran will continue to defend its share of the state championship. There are still many challenges ahead. It will be difficult to face a greater one than the one Cinnaminson provided yesterday.

Cinnaminson 0 1 0 - 1

Delran 0 1 1 - 2

Goals: C-Max DiLeo. D-Dominic Nocito (PK), R.J. Ruff. Saves: C-Kevin Lynch 7. D-Brad Schmidt 5.