Sophomore Quarterback Gains Experience, Looks Toward Future

Starting Ocean City Red Raiders quarterback Chris Gabor is among the youngest players on the varsity squad, but already he has emerged as one of the team’s leaders.

On Friday against , he exhibited determination regardless of the odds, and led his team down the field during two successful scoring drives against one of the best defenses in the region.

“I’m learning as much as I can,” said Gabor. “I’ve definitely taken a step up from last year…I need to work on reading coverages; I just have to read corners and safeties so I can throw to my receivers.”

Gabor has been determined throughout the season. In a close game against Atlantic City in the , Gabor helped lead his team to a near-comeback, at one point completing five consecutive receptions for 56 yards and finishing the game with 119 yards of total offense. In week one , Gabor threw for three touchdowns and 157 yards, but threw two interceptions. He also showed that he can run the ball in that first start, racking up 32 rushing yards.

Against Hammonton, he rushed for one of Ocean City’s two touchdowns, on a play that included a successful fake handoff to running back Ben Bethea.

“He [Gabor] is going to be very good,” said Ocean City’s head coach Kevin Smith. “He’s smart, coachable…two more years with him, there’s going to be a lot we can do…we’re very excited.”

as head coach, but worked as an assistant coach in Ocean City for fifteen years prior. Gabor says he enjoys working with Smith.

“Coach Smith is a great coach, I work with him all the time…he gets on me when he needs to,” he said.

In a game against Millville , Gabor showed that he can make adjustments when needed. After an interception and some coaching from Smith, Gabor came back to finish the game by going 12-for-16, throwing a fourth quarter touchdown reception, and generating a total of 103 passing yards.

Ocean City, a 1-5 team after six weeks, lost that game against Millville, but showed that with some coaching and some more experience from young players like Gabor, they are capable of making improvements and learning from their mistakes.