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Health & Fitness

Ocean City Junior Raiders in Action Against Somers Point

The Ocean City Junior Raiders squared off against the Somers Point Sharks on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Lawrence "Bud" Kern Field in Somers Point.

 The Taxi squad (kindergarten through 2nd grade) opened up the action.  While no official score is kept at this level, the team played hard and the game was competitive.  The team is clearing translating what it learns in practice to the games and the kids had a great time.

    Next up was the Peewee team (3rd and 4th grade).  The Junior Raiders dropped a heartbreaking 13-7 contest in the last minute of the game.    Somers Point opened up the scoring in the first quarter going up 7-0.  Ocean City tied the game up early in the fourth quarter on a 15 yard touchdown run by Jacob Wilson on a critical fourth down play.  Somers Point then scored the winning points on a touchdown with just over a minute to play.  Ocean City’s last minute drive after the kickoff fell short.  Both teams played very well and the game was a hard fought contest.  Coach Jim Cupit in particular noted that Cole Young, a center and defensive end for the Raiders, had an excellent game on both sides of the ball.  He was error free snapping the ball and his protection and blocks helped the Raiders gain a great deal of yardage on Saturday.  Cupit also noted that Derek Berardis was unbeatable on the right side playing cornerback for the Raiders.  The Somers Point running backs were stopped time and time again as they attempted to get to the outside on Derek.  He had numerous tackles and broke up a pass play as well on Saturday. 

    The JV squad (5th and 6th grade) was up next and lost 33-6 to an experienced, talented Somers Point team.  On Somers Point’s opening drive, Ocean City’s cornerback Jake Schneider caused an apparent fumble that was recovered by JP Patella that could have seized momentum in the game.  The player, however, was called down by contact and Somers Point went in to score, eventually building a halftime lead of 27-0.  Head coach Carl Wanek noted that the team never quit and gave great effort throughout the contest.  Ocean City’s touchdown was scored on a 5 yard touchdown pass by Tyreek Crawford to JP Patella on fourth and goal.

    The Varsity team struggled eventually losing 42-12.  Ocean City touchdowns were scored by Kyion Flanders on a nice run and Donovan Graham on a beautiful pass by Christian Tyson.  Coach Greg Young commented that John Talese had an excellent game on both sides of the ball.

The Junior Raiders next play at Linwood on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

If you have any pictures from the games, please forward them to info@ocjuniorraiders.com.

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