Ocean City Travels to Undefeated Hammonton Tonight

The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Ocean City High School football team.

A week after losing to undefeated Millville, the Red Raiders travel to face a 4-0 Hammonton squad that features a deep and balanced offense and one of the stingiest defenses in the league.

For the first time in three weeks, the Red Raiders (1-4) had a full week of practice to prepare for an opponent -- after playing two games in the same week the past two weeks because of delays for lightning.

"Hammonton is a good team,” Ocean City captain Bob DeLuce said. “I just think we are prepared. We had a pretty good week of practice, and I feel confident going in. They are a good team, but we are more focused this week and ready to go.”

The Blue Devils have a deep running game, with three backs on the field at the same time capable of inflicting damage.

Russ Forthian, David Williams and Jordan Brown all scored twice in a win over Egg Harbor Township. The Red Raiders need to be in the proper position for any chance of stopping the Blue Devils’ running game.

"You have to read your keys and be really disciplined,” Ocean City coach Kevin Smith explained. “We worked on some drills this week where we didn’t even use a football. We just tried to replicate their offense without a ball. We have to read keys, get in position and just be fundamentally sound. We can’t look for the ball because when you look for the ball you stand still and it will be all over because they execute so well. The only way to beat them is to be disciplined.”

The discipline has to be exhibited on both sides of the ball. Ocean City held the ball for 33 minutes against Millville but scored just 13 points.

The Red Raiders need to extend drives, not turn the ball over and find a way to get into the end zone. On defense, they can’t afford to let the Blue Devils score quickly like the Thunderbolts did a week ago.

“We need to execute on offense and not give the big plays on defense,” DeLuce said.

“We didn’t finish last week and not getting points on two long drives we had hurt us,” Smith said. “We are learning to win games. That’s the little stuff. I don’t think we are that far behind other teams in terms of ability.”

The Blue Devils also have a quality quarterback in Christian Mortellite, who is 6-feet, 5-inches tall and is accurate.

“He stands in the pocket and we haven’t seen that before from them,” Smith said. “They usually have smaller, quicker guys who can get to the edge and run. That’s another challenge because the safety can’t get too aggressive because they have to be conscious of the pass.”

The Red Raiders’ offense can help the team by controlling the ball, but they also need to put points up on the scoreboard. That will be difficult, as the Blue Devils have allowed just three touchdowns in four games.

Ocean City quarterback Chris Gabor looked strong a week ago against the Bolts, and will need another consistent game. Wide receivers Matt Schuler and Chris Turner may have to extend the field and get more vertical this week if the opportunity is there.

Running backs Eric Zauck and Ben Bethea will look to gain the tough yards between the tackles, trying to control the ball and the clock.

“They don’t miss tackles,” Smith said. “Hammonton wraps you up and puts you on the ground. I think they are one of the best coached teams in the league.”