Shane Palena celebrates his game-winning field goal against Cinnaminson in the West Jersey Football League Division football game played at Cinnaminson High School in Cinnaminson, New Jersey on Friday, September 13, 2024. Joshua Guirguis/D2 Sports Network
CINNAMINSON — It had been 1,092 days since the Delran High School football team last defeated Cinnaminson.
Friday night presented another opportunity.
With 3:20 left in regulation, the Bears were inching closer to the red zone on their final drive. They reached their rival’s 20-yard line, but faced fourth down with 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Sophomore Shane Palena kicked a 37-yard field goal with 21 seconds left to put Delran ahead for good. The Bears defeated Cinnaminson, 24-21, for the first time since 2021.
A last minute effort by the Pirates was ended when Delran's Justin Mary, Jr. tipped a pass that was gathered by teammate Jayden Alford to seal the victory.