Henry Souto, in action last week against Bridgeton, kicked what proved to be the game-winning field goal in Ocean City’s 9-0 victory over Absegami on Friday. (Courtesy OCHSfootball.com)
Ocean City High School’s football team is 3-0 for the first time since 2000, even if the offense needed a kick-start in Friday night’s game at Absegami.
Kicker Henry Souto nailed a third quarter 24-yard field goal, the only points Ocean City would ultimately need in a 9-0 West Jersey Football League Independence Division victory over the Braves.
It had been a tense defensive struggle until Souto’s kick seemed to inject new life in the O.C. offense, as well as the Red Raider supporters who made the trek to the Braves’ Galloway Township campus.
Ocean City’s running game, missing in action at home last week against Bridgeton, came to life on an 82-yard drive capped by senior quarterback Ian Aungst’s 2-yard run with just over nine minutes left in the game.
Brandon Lashley had another outstanding game for the Raiders, making a clutch 38-yard reception, which helped put Souto in position to make his big kick. Lashley also had an acrobatic interception to snuff out an Absegami drive late in the second quarter.
Defensive line standout Austin Green recorded four sacks for the Raiders, including the biggest of the game. He dropped the Braves’ QB Will Harned for a loss on fourth down with 1:44 left in regulation to seal the deal for the Raiders and hand ’Gami its third straight loss.
The win sets up next week’s battle at Carey Stadium against St. Augustine Prep, a 27-3 winner Friday over perennial South Jersey Group IV power Shawnee.
