Senior Football Players Say Farewell on Thanksgiving Day

Although the Ocean City Red Raiders won in their last game of the season on Thanksgiving Day against Pleasantville, 39-0, the victory was a bittersweet for many of the seniors. Yes, they won for one last time at Carey Stadium, but now they have no more high school football to look forward to. For some, they may not ever play football again.

Ben Bethea, Ocean City’s star running back that scored nine touchdowns this season and led the team in rushing yards, hopes to play football in college.

“It sucks to end the season,” said Bethea, “but it was good going out with a win. It’s kind of scary. It feels like the season just started.”

Bethea sees a lot of potential in his younger teammates, who comprise the majority of starters on the Red Raider squad.

“I think they’ll have a great season next year,” he said. “The younger guys have gained a lot of experience.

Defensive captain Bob DeLuce also hopes to play football in college and is aiming for a Division I-AA or Division II school, but he said he thinks he will always miss playing high school football most.

“I’m going to miss everything about it … there is nothing better than playing in high school, the Friday night lights,” he said. “I love being with this group of kids.”

DeLuce said that he sees good things in Ocean City football’s future, specifically in Will Costello, who will likely take over for DeLuce next season.

“He stepped up, he’s improved his reads,” he said. “I think next year he’ll be a real good player.”

Coach Kevin Smith said that Ocean City’s 2-8 record this season was not indicative of their level of talent, and with nine out of eleven starting offensive players returning next season and much of the defense returning as well, he thinks the future could be bright for the program.

“The freshman team is very good,” said Smith. “We need to get stronger and more athletic…what happens between January and June will effect what happens next year.”