Please be advised that all Summer Training dates are subject to change based on weather, field availability, projected attendance, etc...  We will communicate all cancelations via Twitter: @HMHSBoysSoccer and via email as well.  We expect as usual to have a good turnout this summer during our Summer Training Schedule however, it is important to reiterate that all sessions before official NJSIAA practice begins on August 13th are considered non-mandatory.  For those interested in improving as soccer players and willing to work hard; as well as have fun building rapport with their teammates, the HMHS Boys Soccer Coaching Staff will offer a training schedule free of charge during June and July in hopes of preparing for another successful fall season.  Please email Coach Nixon HMHSSoccer@gmail.com with any questions.

June 2018

Monday 25th through Thursday 28th -- Mini Camp @ Crows Woods for RETURNING PLAYERS ONLY (7-9PM)

July 2018

Monday 9th -- Team Training @ Scout Field for ALL PLAYERS including incoming Freshmen (5-7PM)

Tuesday 10th -- Small-Sided Games @ Cherry Hill West for RETURNING PLAYERS ONLY (5-6:30PM)

Wednesday 11th -- Team Training @ Scout Field for ALL PLAYERS (5-7PM)

Thursday 12th -- Team Training @ Scout Field for ALL PLAYERS (5-7PM)

Monday 16th -- Team Training @ Scout Field for ALL PLAYERS (6-8PM)

Tuesday 17th -- Small-Sided Games @ Cherry Hill West for RETURNING PLAYERS ONLY (5-6:30PM)

Wednesday 18th -- Team Training @ Scout Field for ALL PLAYERS (6-8PM)

Thursday 19th -- Team Training @ Scout Field for ALL PLAYERS (6-8PM)

Tuesday 24th -- HMHS Boys Soccer Booster Camp @ Scout Field (8-11AM)

Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th -- HMHS Boys Soccer Booster Camp @ Anniversary (11-2PM)

Monday 30th through Thursday August 2nd -- SJ Elite Teams Camp @ Cherry Hill West (8:30-12:30PM)

August 2018

Saturday 11th -- Rowan University Kickoff Classic -- OPEN to ALL JUNIORS & SENIORS*** (Sites & Times TBA)

Monday 13th through Thursday 16th -- NJSIAA Official Full Preseason Camp Begins -- OPEN TRYOUT for SOPHOMORES through SENIORS & INCOMING FRESHMAN INVITEES ONLY @ 8-11AM (Sites TBD)

Friday 17th -- Varsity (Time & Site TBD) / Varsity Reserves (Time & Site TBD) 

Saturday 18th -- 3rd Annual 7v7 Intra-Squad Tournament @ Anniversary (Time TBD)

Sunday 19th -- OFF

Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st -- Varsity (Time & Site TBD) / Varsity Reserves (Time & Site TBD) / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

Wednesday 22nd -- Varsity AWAY v. CH East @ DeCou (10AM) / Varsity Reserves AWAY v. CH East @ DeCou (10AM) / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

Thursday 23rd through Saturday 25th -- Varsity (Time & Site TBD) / Varsity Reserves (Time & Site TBD) / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

Sunday 26th -- OFF

Monday 27th -- Varsity AWAY v. Eastern @ ERHS (10AM) / Varsity Reserves AWAY v. Eastern @ ERHS (10AM) / Frosh HOME v. Eastern @ Scout Field (10AM)

Tuesday 28th -- Varsity (Time & Site TBD) / Varsity Reserves (Time & Site TBD) / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

Wednesday 29th -- Varsity AWAY v. Cherokee @ CHS (Time TBD) / Varsity Reserves AWAY v. Cherokee @ CHS (Time TBD) / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

Thursday 30th -- Varsity HOME v. Bishop Eustace @ HMHS Stadium (4PM) / Varsity Reserves HOME v. Bishop Eustace @ Scout Field (4PM) / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

Friday 31st -- Varsity OFF / Varsity Reserves OFF / Frosh (Time & Site TBD)

September 2018

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd -- PROGRAM OFF

Monday 3rd -- Varsity @ Site TBD (6PM) / Varsity Reserves @ Site TBD (6PM) / Frosh @ Site TBD (6PM)

*** Incoming Freshmen and Returning Sophomores May Be Invited By Coaching Staff for Rowan Kickoff Classic - Priority Given To Program's Upperclassmen First - PLEASE NOTE THIS TOURNAMENT IS NON-MANDATORY as it is before the start date for NJSIAA Full Preseason Camp Opening on Monday, August 13th

HADDONFIELD Bulldawgs

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jack Dugan has been a major contributor for Haddonfield since his freshman year and it will be exciting to see how he winds down his career this fall before heading to Division I James Madison University. He had 22 goals and 16 assists as a junior to make the all-conference first team for the third straight year and the all- South Jersey first team. He has 48 career goals and can break the program’s all-time record of 64 with another big season. Senior Sam DeCencio is another Division I recruit who has committed to La Salle. He had seven goals and a team-leading 19 assists to make the all-South Jersey second team and all-conference first team. Other offensive contributors include senior Max Green (six goals, four assists); juniors Steve DiTomaso (13, seven) and Gabe DaSilva (six, eight), an all-conference second-teamer; and sophomore Tommy Mollis (seven, three). Senior Finn Miller is a standout goalie who had nine shutouts last year. Other returners expected to contribute are senior Will Sabia and juniors Luke Baxter and Mike Gallo.

OUTLOOK: The Bulldawgs’ 2016 season featured a share of the Colonial Conference Liberty Division title—their second straight—along with their first trip to the South Jersey Group II final since 2011 and a 16-5-2 final record. With Dugan and DeCencio leading the way, expect more of the same this fall.

By Richard Greco | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

By Brian Deakyne and Richard Greco | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

David Gard | For NJ Advance Media

 

Finn Miller, Goalkeeper, Haddonfield, Sr.

 

Miller overcame a devastating leg break to earn the starting job last season. He has his sights set on an All-South Jersey caliber senior season.

1. Delran, 3-0, The Bears ended last season as the No. 1 team and there’s no reason to take them down now. Fast start has seen them outscore opponents 6-0.

2. Cherry West, 3-0, The Lions had a disappointing finish to the season last year after winning the South Jersey Coaches Tournament championship. They seem well equipped for another successful season.

3. Haddonfield, 3-0, The Bulldawgs are a senior-laden team that is off to a roaring start. Have outscored opponents 9-0, including a win over Group 4 Cherry Hill East.

4. Washington Township, 0-0, The Minutemen are a perennial power that finished strong last season and that brings back a lot of talent for another run.

5. St. Augustine, 1-0-1, The Hermits spanked a good Rancocas Valley team in their season opener, but coming back to tie Cape-Atlantic American rival Mainland.

6. Mainland, 0-0-1, The Mustangs return all but four of the players who carried the team to a Group 3 South Jersey championship last season.

 7. Shawnee, 1-0-1, The Renegades are a team that always has to be reckoned with. Opened the season with a nice-win over Olympic American rival Cherokee.
 

8. Williamstown, 1-0-1, The Braves have opened with a nice win over a tough Sterling team, and then played to a scoreless tie with Tri-County Royal rival Clearview.

9. Haddon Township, 1-0, The Hawks have, for years, been one of the better small-school programs in South Jersey.  They were co-state champions in Group 1 last season.

10. Cherokee, 0-1, Despite an opening loss to Shawnee, the Chiefs figure to be one of the tougher teams in Group 4 this season.

Updated: SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 — 5:40 PM EDT
by Chris Melchiorre

When he’s on the high school field, the game slows down for Sam DeCencio.

He has been a varsity starter for the Haddonfield boys’ soccer team since his freshman year.

In the offseason, he has played high-level club and academy soccer — and he was even part of a team that won the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup in Colorado last summer.

Now, as a senior, DeCencio can analyze the field during a game as if he’s studying film.

He’s fast and strong with the ball at his feet, but he also reads the game as well as any player in South Jersey. And, as a center midfielder, that holds true in each third of the field.

“I think this year is the most prepared I’ve ever been for a season,” he said. “I just know exactly what to expect, I know exactly what I need to do, and I’m making quicker decisions.”

And that’s why, in many respects, this is the season Haddonfield has been waiting for.

The Bulldawgs returned nearly every key piece of a team that reached the South Jersey finals last year for the first time since 2011.

A core of players slowly brought Haddonfield back into the conversation about South Jersey’s elite teams over the last three seasons.

This year, that core is as talented and seasoned as any in South Jersey.

“The expectations are very high for this group,” said coach Ryan Nixon, whose team has opened the year 3-0 and is outscoring opponents 8-0. “We’re a more senior-heavy team this year, and a lot of these guys have been leaders well before this season. And Sam is one of those guys. I think this group is ready for success. And I think they’re ready to leave their mark.”

Along with DeCencio are fellow star players Gabe DaSilva, a midfielder, and Jack Dugan, a forward. Both were also on last year’s club national championship team, an experience DeCencio described as unforgettable.

DeCencio said he and Dugan — a James Madison recruit who generated 22 goals and 16 assists last year — have been best friends since they were six years old.

“I’m pretty sure we met before we even started playing soccer,” said DeCencio, a La Salle recruit who recorded seven goals and 19 assists last year. “But, really, soccer is what’s bonded us. We’ve always played on the same team. And that’s been huge for our chemistry on the field.”

DeCencio said he has always been drawn to soccer and plays it virtually year-round.

And when he’s not playing it, he’s thinking about it.

“Sam is one of those difference makers you don’t see come through your program very often,” Nixon said. “His leadership and contributions in every facet of the game are huge for us.”

A growing rivalry with another elite area program — Delran — has been occupying DeCencio’s thoughts recently,

Delran bounced Haddonfield from the South Jersey Group 2 playoffs in 1-0 games in each of the last two seasons, including last year’s championship game.

“And actually the rivalry goes back to when we were playing club soccer for Haddonfield when we were kids, and they were always really good,” DeCencio said. “We all know each other on both teams. And every single time we play, it’s a battle.”

He said last year’s loss was heartbreaking, and he’s working this season to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“We have to get better throughout this season,” DeCencio said. “We have to peak in the postseason. And I think we can do it.”

WEST DEPTFORD – Haddonfield High School boys soccer coach Ryan Nixon has come to expect a lot of offensive production from Steve DiTomaso.

The junior forward first made his reputation when he scored 13 goals last season, but the tallies haven’t been coming as frequently this so far this season.

The coach has been patient, waiting for DiTomaso to find his offensive rhythm, and now the wait may be over.

DiTomaso struck for two goals on Monday night, both came on skilled shots, and he led the Bulldawgs to an important 3-0 victory over West Deptford in a Colonial Conference Liberty Division game.

Nixon was pleased to see DiTomasso have a break-out game. 

“I wouldn’t say he’s been in a slump,” he said. “He hasn’t had the offensive output we saw last year. But now he’s really starting to hit his stride.”

The win kept No. 2 Haddonfield undefeated at 10-0-1, while No. 7 West Deptford lost for the first time this season and fell to 9-1.

DiTomasso scored the second and third goals of the game, and Nixon was not surprised to see him come through in a big game.

“Steve is real hard-working,” he said. “His desire to score goals and his desire to win is a difference-maker for us.”

DiTomaso's goals came after Jack Dugan got Haddonfield off to a good start. His successful penalty kick 19 minutes into the game gave the Bulldawgs the only goal they would need.

Playing for the first time in a couple of weeks after recovering from an injury, Haddonfield goalie Finn Miller posted 8 saves for the shutout.

Afterward, DiTomaso said the Bulldawgs approached the game as it was a showdown type of contest.

“This was huge game for us,” he said. “The Haddonfield-West Deptford rivalry is a big one. So this game meant a lot to me.”

As was the case with Nixon, some of DiTomaso’s teammates were waiting for him to get his offensive game going.

Dugan said he was sure it would only be a matter of time before it happened.

“This has always been Steve – he shows up in big moments,” Dugan said “We’ve seen it in the preseason and we saw it last year. He’s always been humongous in big games.

“Today that was evident. To step up with two goals in a game like this, that was tremendous for our confidence, He’s a huge player for us.”

According to Nixon, the Haddonfield attack was the difference.

“When you have players like Jack Dugan and Steve DiTomaso . . . we’re really been firing on all cylinders,” he said. “I thought tonight was evidence of that.”

“We have six or seven guys who, on any given day and night, could be dangerous.”

The teams played evenly though the opening portion of the game until a hand-ball foul in the box led to Dugan’s penalty kick opportunity.

West Deptford goalie Jackson Clark has been one of the main reasons the Eagles were able to get off to an unbeaten start, but he was no match for Dugan’s shot.

“(Getting the lead) was big,” Dugan said. “The atmosphere was pretty loud, and it was a pretty even game until that point. When I got my opportunity I stayed composed in that moment and I put it away.”

The 1-0 lead held until late in the first half when DiTomasso managed to get the ball away from a defender and score an unassisted goal.

West Deptford coach Steve Jakubowski felt that goal, coming so late in the half, took something out of his team.

“That kind of dropped our sails a little bit,” he said. “We need to overcome that. It was the first time all season that we were down, and we needed to come out a lot stronger.”

Any hope West Deptford had of getting back into the game waned in the closing minutes when DiTomasso picked up a loose ball near midfield.

He dribbled the ball about 50 yards on a break-away and beat Jackson one-on-one for the clincher.

The Haddonfield High School boys’ soccer program has been around since 1973.

In those 44 years, the Haddons have compiled seven state championships and 17 sectional championships. They’ve captured Colonial Conference championships on 26 occasions and are in the middle of their 10th consecutive 10-win season.

Last Wednesday, Haddonfield, ranked No. 2 in the Courier-Post Mean 15, put another notch in its belt. A 1-0 victory over Lindenwold marked the 700th win in the program’s storied history as it now sits at 701-184-67 overall.

“Seven hundred is just a byproduct of, over the course of four-plus decades, trying to teach the kids the right things … It’s a great thing,” head coach Ryan Nixon said. “I think it’s especially special because this group is going to be the group that hit the number. It’s been a fantastic team to coach in all aspects. They’re great kids and so hard-working.”

Nixon has been there for eight years, five as the head coach. He’s led the team to 71 victories as of Haddonfield’s 12th win of the season on Friday. 

But it’s the coach he played under when he attended Haddonfield who he said deserves most of the recognition for the milestone, the late Joe Falana.

Falana was coach for 38 years and racked up 625 victories, as well all of the aforementioned state titles. He was the definition of Haddonfield soccer and quite possibly the only reason the program is still thriving today.

“Success and consistency is built over the long haul. I think Joe established that foundation over the better part of four decades,” Nixon said. “I’m really just trying to put my own stamp on it now.”

“The consistency of success has come down to having fantastic players, coachable players, kids that were truly interested in the betterment of the team above and beyond that of the individual player,” Nixon said.

Players like Jack Dugan, who recently tied the program’s all-time scoring record with 64 goals and is third in the state with 15 assists. Players like Sam DeCencio, who is fifth in New Jersey with 14 assists a year after he came within five of the single season program record of 24.

“This program has kind of built excellence for a long time now, so going into high school you know if you want to go play soccer and try out for the high school team, you know what the expectations are,” Dugan said. “What usually sets us apart from everyone else is we just try and win every day. We try and build for the future, not just the upcoming season.”

At 12-0-1 in 2017, the Haddons are once again one of the strongest programs in South Jersey. It’s equal parts talent, tradition and passion for the sport that have Haddonfield on the road to its next 700.

DELRAN – John Strohlein has had plenty of memorable moments on Delran's historic grass field during his high school soccer career.

His final game at The Den is one he will never forget – and maybe one of the best on that list.

Strohlein, the Bears' captain, struck for two goals in the first half and completed the hat trick late in the second half to lead top-seeded Delran, ranked No. 5 in the NJ.com Top 20, to a 4-1 win over second-seeded Haddonfield in the South Jersey, Group 2 sectional final on Friday afternoon.

The win added to the Delran legacy in South Jersey, Group 2 – it was the Bears third straight sectional title and fourth in the last five years. Delran will now get, at long last, No. 10 Holmdel, the Central Jersey champion, in the Group 2 semifinals at 7:30 p.m. at Hopewell Valley High School on Tuesday.

"Johnny steps up for all these big games," Delran coach Mike Otto said. "I think it's a credit to him and the top players step up in big games and Johnny did it once again. He had a great and a great game."

In a game that both programs had been anticipating since last year's one-goal sectional final, Delran wasted no time seizing the momentum as Strohlein headed home a long service on a set piece in the third minute to stake the Bears to an early lead.

Cole Gifford played the ball in from midfield and Frankie Taylor flicked it toward the middle of the 18-yard box where Strohelin rose about the Haddonfield defenders and fired the ball past keeper Finn Miller.

Strohlein doubled down on that lead in the 24th minute when he headed home a corner service from Mark Olivo to put Delran up, 2-0.

"To score three goals in a big game like this is huge and to see how happy my guys are when we do it, it means the world to me," Strohlein said. "Haddonfield is a really good team with a lot of good players, so to come out with a 4-1 scoreline is really impressive and it means a lot to us."

Haddonfield, led by Jack Dugan, the program's all-time scoring leader, had a number of chances on close set pieces in the first half, and applied pressure on Delran throughout the game, but couldn't find the finishing touch when it mattered. Max Green scored Haddonfield's lone goal in the 70th minute to cut it to a 3-1 game, but it didn't impact the outcome.

"Just like last year, this is going to be difficult for me for awhile," Haddonfield coach Ryan Nixon said. "This is the best group of kids I could have ever asked for. They're winners and play with so much heart. I could read you off a list of kids that I thought played their heart out today. This is the game. We'll be back next year and try to make another run. Guys like Jack Dugan and Sam DeCencio and Max Green and Finn Miller, you don't get players like that very often in the program and this year was our third highest ever win total."

Olivo man-marked Dugan throughout the game and never allowed him to find open space that enables him to operate flawlessly.

Delran took a 3-0 lead in the 64th when Sean McLaughlin hit a streaking Jayson Vandermark cutting through the box. Strohlein capped off his memorable performance by flushing in a free kick from 20 yards out in the 75th minute.

Delran, which didn't play as clean of a game as it had hoped for, in part because of temperatures dipping in the low-30's and winds swirling, will get a crack at a Holmdel team that has gained plenty of hype throughout the season.

Delran will be just the second ranked opponent that Holmdel has played this year. The Hornets fell to No. 9 Pingry, 1-0, on Oct. 7. Delran, on the other hand, has wins over Allentown Central Catholic (Pa.) and Pennington and a tie against top-ranked Delbarton.

"Sometimes, I question my own process and think I'm insane with the teams that we play," Otto said. "In the end, it's nice that it pays off. We challenge these guys every day and every game, that's our philosophy. When we face a good team like Haddonfield in the sectional final, it's nothing we haven't seen before. All those tough games along the way sure helped us."

"I'm looking forward to it and I think I'm up to the challenge," Delran center back Scott Woodington said. "They're dangerous, but our defense is solid."

Miller finished with six saves for Haddonfield, while Berkant Haliloglu had five stops for Delran.

Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianDeakyne. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.

ALL-GROUP 2

FIRST TEAM
F-Anthony Arena, Holmdel, Jr.
F-Justin McStay, Holmdel, Sr.
F-Jack Dugan, Haddonfield, Sr.
M-John Strohlein, Delran, Sr.
M-Omar Sowe, Harrison, Jr.
M-Matt Leon, Holmdel, Sr.
M-Deydiry Chamba, Harrison, Sr.
D-Scott Woodington, Delran, Sr.
D-Ronald Mendez, Dover, Sr.
D-Brandon Kendall, Delran, Sr.
G-Bobby White, Hackettstown, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
F-Joel Burgos, Monmouth, Sr.
F-Sebastian Cortes, Dover, Sr.
F-Sebastian Roman, Dover, Sr.
M-Sam DeCencio, Haddonfield, Sr.
M-Sawyer Fenlon, High Point, Sr.
M-Justin Kochman, Glen Rock, Sr.
M-Cole Reardon, Hackettstown, Sr.
D-Michael Neff, Holmdel, Sr.
D-Mike Lutz, Cinnaminson, Sr.
D-Jared Schultes, West Deptford, Sr.
G-Finn Miller, Haddonfield, Sr.

THIRD TEAM
F-Bryan Andrade, Sterling, Jr.
F-Edward Lynch, Newton, Sr.
F-Vincent DiTonto, Lyndhurst, Sr.
M-Jeremy Nives, Rumson-Fair Haven, Sr.
M-Cyrus Darvish, Holmdel, Sr.
M-Michael Duarte, Fort Lee, Sr.
M-Oscar Sanchez, Garfield, Sr.
D-Cole Gifford, Delran, Jr.
D-Jake Scully, Sterling, Jr.
D-Max Green, Haddonfield, Sr.
G-Antonio DiBonaventura, Mountain Lakes, Sr.

Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianDeakyne. Richard Greco may be reached at rgreco@njadvancemedia.com.  Follow him on Twitter @Richard_V_Greco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

COLONIAL CONFERENCE
1-Haddonfield (21-3-1)
2-West Deptford (16-4-2)
3-Sterling (14–6-2)
4-Haddon Heights (9-8-4)
5-Haddon Township (13–7-0)
6-Collingswood (7–11-1)
7-Lindenwold (9–9-3)
8-Audubon (9-10-2)
9-Woodbury (7-14-0)
10-Gateway (6–14-1)?

FINAL GROUP 2 RANKINGS
1-Holmdel (22-1-1)
2-Delran (19-4-2)
3-Dover (21-3-1)
4-Haddonfield (21-3-1)
5-Harrison (20-3)
6-West Deptford (16-4-2)
7-Sterling (14-6-2)
8-Hackettstown (15-2-1)
9-Newton (14-7-2)
10-Garfield (16-3-3)?

When Jack Dugan was in seventh grade, he made a choice to stick to soccer.

Though he also played hockey at the time, Dugan decided it was time to focus his attention on one sport. It was simple math.

More: Boys' soccer: All-South Jersey teams

More: Boys' soccer: Delran crowned South Jersey's No. 1 team again

More: Boys' soccer: Glassboro's Mark Bridges earns Coach of the Year

He picked up soccer at 5 years old and spent his free time in the backyard and basement playing with his two older brothers, Connor and Wyatt. His father, Jim, was a longtime assistant coach for the Haddonfield High School boys’ team.

“Deep down inside, it’s the sport I really loved and it was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made,” Dugan said.

A few years ago while his dad worked the sidelines and Connor took the field, Jack pitched in as a ball boy. It was then the passion grew into motivation.

“At the end of the day, seeing them win games and seeing them be successful, I told myself that’s something I wanted to be,” Dugan said. “I didn’t want to just be someone that nobody remembered. I wanted to be remembered forever from this program.”

Dugan recently finished up his senior year with the Haddons, which also happened to be his best. He posted career highs in both goals (24) and assists (20) all while leading Haddonfield to a South Jersey Group 2 title game appearance. His assist total was third-best in the region.

To top things off, he cemented his legacy as a Haddonfield legend just like he wanted. Dugan set the program’s all-time scoring record, which stood for 39 years, with 72 career goals.

For his efforts, Dugan is the 2017 Courier Post Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year.

“Jack just always went out and his goal was to play at his best,” coach Ryan Nixon said. “And when Jack was at his best, he was unstoppable.”

While his stats reflect the type of player he is, it’s his teammates’ numbers that tell the whole story. As maybe the toughest player to mark in the state, opposing defenses constantly put pressure on Dugan. 

“That’s the type of dangerous player Jack is. He was rarely not being marked, if not being double-teamed,” Nixon said. “To have a player like Jack who’s that dangerous and that consistent, it obviously makes the rest of your team that much better because he’s able to put them in good positions.

“He’s always been more concerned with how his team is performing, how he can lead his team better and taking his team to places they’ve never been before as opposed to, ‘Well, I want to score 30 goals this year.’”

Dugan is a dangerous striker from anywhere in the attacking third who almost always makes something happen. Nixon said he’s seen it develop over the last few years, but the work Dugan put in before his senior season made the difference.

There were relentless sessions of weight lifting, running and other workouts that Nixon saw first hand. Dugan also played with a top New Jersey club program.

“I knew it was going to be my senior year and I knew every game I played was going to be one closer to my last game ever,” Dugan said. “In the offseason, playing soccer for Match Fit (Academy) helped me stay in shape and stay in the mode of everything.”

All of it combined for the perfect recipe to create an outstanding season and a stepping stone to Dugan’s future. He’ll play Division I soccer for James Madison University next fall.

But for now, the 17-year-old forward leaves Haddonfield as one of the best to lace up a pair of cleats for the Haddons. It’s something it felt like he was destined to do.

“I really don’t know if I’m ever going to have another player like Jack, and it’s not just the player he is, it’s the person that he is,” Nixon said. “He’s such a great kid and I’m really going to miss him.”

Daniel Spevak; (856) 486-2424; cpvarsity@gmail.com