Zac Dayton Takes Over as Haddon Township Football Coach

 

He first came back as an assistant before the 2016 season, was elevated to offensive coordinator after two years and was named the head football coach last week.

 

“It is a dream come true and something I had my sights set on for a while,” Dayton said. “To be in this position at Haddon Township where I graduated from, is such and honor and a cool spot to be in.”

 

Dayton replaced Mike Sheridan, who did an outstanding job in four seasons. Sheridan resigned after the season, but expressed a desire to still help out. He will be part of Dayton’s staff.

 

During Dayton’s senior season in 2004, Haddon Township went 3-7. Dayton was a receiver and defensive end and was sometimes utilized at linebacker.

 

“I would have liked a couple of more wins, but I consider myself really lucky to play with great guys who I still keep in touch with today,” Dayton said. “That is what made it an unbelievable experience.”

 

Dayton earned a football scholarship to Fordham, where he was recruited by then-head coach Ed Foley. It’s the same Ed Foley who starred at Cherry Hill East, who later became a fixture on the Temple coaching staff for over a decade, served one year at Baylor and is now an assistant special teams coach with Matt Rhule on the Carolina Panthers.

 

Dayton only played one year for Foley, but he said he enjoyed his association with him. When Foley was hired by the Panthers, Dayton texted him his congratulation.

 

Now it is Dayton who has been on the other end of congratulatory texts.

 

These are unusual times and quite frankly nobody knows if there will be an upcoming football season, but Dayton and all coaches are preparing as if there will be.

 

There is a lot to do but Dayton is up for the challenge.

 

What will help is that he inherits an experience Haddon Township team, coming off a 6-4 record while earning a Group 1 playoff berth.

 

The Hawks graduated just four seniors and led by a strong junior class, they expect to be competitive.

 

“We don’t know what is going on with the pandemic, but I am staying hopeful,” Dayton said. “This group of seniors is a special group and really works hard. I am excited for them and for the entire team.”

 

The fact that he served as offensive coordinator will no doubt help Dayton as a head coach.

 

“I can’t say enough positive things about way coach (Sheridan) groomed me and helped me out,” Dayton said. “Being offensive coordinator helped me become aware of offensive schemes and planning and execution,” he said.

 

 The fact that he has played many positions in both high school and college, where he saw action as a safety and a tight end, has given Dayton a well-rounded background.