Ocean City's New Head Football Coach Notches First Win

After Monday's 34-6 win against Middle Township, the Ocean City Red Raiders' players decided to give the game ball to their new head coach, Kevin Smith.

"It's been really enjoyable," said Smith, who added that both he and the team still have a lot to learn.

Ocean City was 0-3 going into its game against Middle, which started on Friday night but was . The Red Raiders did not look like a winless team against Middle, though, dominating the game from beginning to end on both sides of the ball in what Smith called the most complete game of the season for his team.

Smith teaches at Ocean City High School and worked as assistant coach for 15 years before stepping into the head coach role.

"No job before prepares you for it," he said.

But his players seem to already be adapting to his coaching style.

Ben Bethea, a senior running back who scored three touchdowns against Middle and leads the team in scoring this season, said that Smith is a "great guy" who has not only worked to change some of the team's formations, but knows how to motivate.

"We have a slogan, 'win the day,' " said Bethea. "It means that every day we strive to get better, one day at a time."

Smith — not surprisingly for a professional educator—says that teaching is one of his favorite aspects of coaching.

Junior running back Nick Zauck, another one of the team leaders during the Raiders' game against Middle, said that he has learned more about being a team player from Smith.

"We don't play as individuals," he said. "Me and Ben [Bethea] are looking to split the carries ... looking out for each other."

Smith's experience in football predates his role as assistant coach: . He is also a 1987 graduate of Mainland Regional High School.