Ocean City's Gabor Shows Promise During First Career Start

Ocean City High School's Chris Gabor may be a sophomore, but he showed he has the poise and composure of a seasoned veteran in 44-27 season-opening loss to host Vineland on Sept. 9.

Sure, the Red Raiders signal caller made his share of his mistakes, as did his teammates, but Gabor was able to put those miscues behind him and keep playing football in his first career varsity start.

Despite throwing two interceptions, both coming on solid plays by Vineland defenders, the Red Raiders sophomore moved on and made quality plays throughout the game.

"We are really proud of him," first-year Ocean City coach Kevin Smith said. "We certainly didn't go into the game thinking he was going to throw the ball (23) times. We put more on his shoulders than we wanted to. I thought he handled it great."

Gabor threw three touchdowns and recorded 157 yards in the air. He connected twice with Chris Turner for scores and another with Matt Schuler. Gabor also rushed for 32 yards, including runs of 11 and 22 yards. Just as impressive as his numbers were his ability to be mobile in the pocket and his willingness to take a hit while delivering a pass.

If this game is any indication of what is to come, the Red Raiders have a quarterback they can count on for the rest of this season, and years to come once he gains more experience.

New Coach, New Era

Kevin Smith spent 15 seasons as an assistant coach for the Ocean City High School before taking the reins of the program this year.

Now that it is his turn to lead, he gets to make his mark on the team and the community.

Smith has changed the schemes on both sides of the ball, with the biggest difference coming on offense, as the Red Raiders have gone to a spread offense.

The players have also noticed some changes at practice.

“What I noticed is that Smith has everybody moving,” Ocean City linebacker Bob DeLuce said. “He gets people moving around and everyone is getting involved. Everyone does more reps and no one is standing around.”

The players had a chance to see Smith in his new position in the weight room, and on the practice field this summer. So far the players have no complaints.

“Everyone likes him,” said DeLuce, the Red Raiders captain. “There is not a negative word about Coach Smith.”

Paying Respect

All Cape-Atlantic League teams will all be wearing a horseshoe sticker on the back of their helmets this season in honor of the four Mainland players—Edgar Bozzi, Casey Brenner, Nick Conner and Dean Khoury—who died in a car accident Aug. 20.

It’s one small way to show Mainland that the league and teams like Ocean City are there for them and thinking about them as they go through the healing process.