The Ocean City Junior Raiders Peewee (3rd and 4th grade) and JV (5th and 6th grade) teams were in playoff action over the weekend.
The PeeWee team’s playoff run ended in a hard fought loss against a tough Somers Point team, 20-0. The coaches commented, however, that they could not be more proud of everything they accomplished along the way. Overall, it was a very successful season for the team, finishing 6 and 5, and making it to the second round of the playoffs. Outside of wins and losses, the coaches all agree that this was a special group of kids that were fun to coach throughout the season. They truly learned what teamwork is all about, and when working as a team, they can accomplish great things.
The Peewee team includes: Derek Berardis, Ryan Callahan, Patrick Cupit, Taryn Cupit, Charlie Dunner, Dylan Dwyer, Aiden Fasy, John Gaskill, JR Gilchrist, Merle “Junior” Hans-Hill, David Legette, Lance Lillo, Will McGinn, Stephen Ordille, Hayden Piccinino, Julian Riveria, Frank Rubba, Kori Segich, Bradley Smith, Jason Steelman, Ayden Sweitzer, Nate Wagner, Hunter Watson, and Drew Young.
The JV team suffered its only defeat of the season, losing 28-7 to a very good, well-coached Hammonton team. After Hammonton scored on its opening possession, the Junior Raiders thought it evened up the contest on its second offensive play on a long touchdown run by Jake Schneider only to see the play called back because of a penalty. Hammonton added two more first half touchdowns to go up 21-0 at the half. The JV squad fought hard the entire game, scoring a third quarter touchdown on a long fourth down play by Nasir Kelly. Jacob Wilson added the extra point on a short run to cut the lead to 21-7. Unfortunately, the JV team couldn’t mount the comeback and Hammonton added a late touchdown to seal the game. The coaches commented after the game that they were so proud and honored to have coached such a great group of kids over the course of a tremendously successful season. The JV team accomplished a first for youth football in Ocean City winning division and conference championships while its stout defense pitched 8 shutouts in 10 games.
The JV team includes: Jimmy Sweitzer, Will Drain, Carl Wanek, Zach Mazzitelli, Timmy Waller, Zack Tighe, Kareem Lovest, Jacob Wilson, Jake Schneider, Nasir Kelly, Max Fischer, Liam Cupit, Diante Miles, JP Patella, Grant Bradway, Flynn DeVlieger, Zach Clouser, Jesus Sarabia, Josh Newman, Ernie Troiano, Dominick Troiano, Chad Callahan, Alex Herrara, Cole Young, and Sean Mazzitelli.
The coaches and players want to thank their parents of all of the players, the Junior Raiders organization, and the Ocean City Community for all of their support during the season. We hope to see you next year!
— By Raymond Patella for the Ocean City Junior Raiders
