Quick-strike Raiders shut out Lower Cape May

By TOM WILLIAMS

ERMA- Ocean City scored five touchdowns on its first 11 plays tonight and then coasted to a 35-0 win over Lower Cape May in the 2019 season opener.

The Raiders will open their home season next Friday when Egg Harbor Township (0-1) comes to Carey Stadium.

With a strong wind blowing at their backs in the first quarter, Ocean City needed just 99 seconds to score. Junior Jake Inserra provided the touchdown with a strong 18-yard run.

The Raiders started their next possession on the Lower 30 and quickly scored on a 17-yard run by junior Isaac Wilson. A third first quarter TD followed when junior quarterback Joe Repetti connected with junior Jake Schneider for a 42-yard score on the first play of a possession.

In the second quarter, Repetti found junior tight end Brad Jamison over the middle to start another drive and he shed a couple tacklers and streaked past the rest for a 58-yard score. Wilson followed less than two minutes later with 35-yard run on yet another opening play of a drive.

Sophomore Brendan McGonigle was a perfect five-for-five kicking extra points.

Junior quarterback Connor Eckel was under pressure most of the game but he produced 17 touchdowns last year and will be a force again as the Capers try for back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1997. The Tigers, who play their first three games at home this year, will host Riverside next Friday.

It was a great start for the Raiders who are expected to be challengers in the Independence Division and Group 4.