Ocean City beats Pleasantville 34-14 in annual Thanksgiving Day game
OCEAN CITY – The Red Raiders football team ended its outstanding year by setting a school record for wins in a season, beating the Pleasantville Greyhounds 34-14 on Thanksgiving morning at Carey Stadium.
“This was important to us because this is our last high school football game, which is crazy,” senior Charley Cossaboone said. “It’s nuts to think about, but this was a chance to be the winningest team in school history.”
“I was really pleased with how we handled it today,” Red Raiders head coach Kevin Smith said. “We came out of the gate fast and put some distance between us and them. Then we were able to get everybody in. It was just a really nice ending to a great year.”
A week after their quest for a sectional South Jersey Group IV title came up short against Millville, Ocean City controlled all phases of the game to send one of the most accomplished teams in school history out with their heads held high at 12-1.
“We worked together,” said senior kicker Brendan McGonigle, who set his own records this season. “People thought we lost a lot (from last season) but we also gained a lot. A lot of people coming back were good players. It’s coaching, it’s character, it’s everything. Everyone’s got each other’s back.”
After a quick defensive stop to start things off, the Red Raiders marched down the field to jump out ahead.
A long pass from Riley Gunnels to Jon Moyer got them rolling and Sean Mazzitelli ran hard into Greyhounds territory.
And then Gunnels slipped a sack and found Mazzitelli for a 1st-and-goal.
Finally, he hit Cossaboone on a swing pass for the opening score.
“It’s fun because our offensive players are amazing,” said Cossaboone, who saw most of his playing time this year on defense. “Jacob Wilson, Sean Mazz’ – they’re amazing, and I don’t even care much if I touch the ball on offense. It’s their last game and they’ve been running the ball well. I got in a little bit and I was happy with it.”
Looking to answer, Pleasantville quarterback Samir Miller hit on a pair of passes over the middle to advance inside the Red Raider 40.
But on third down Miller’s receiver couldn’t come down with what may have been a tying score and Ocean City took over on downs a play later.
Wilson kept the Red Raiders’ momentum going with a 42-yard burst up the left sideline.
Moyer then fought through tacklers after another grab up to the 11-yard line.
Mazzitelli cashed in from 6 yards out on the first play of the second quarter for a two-score lead.
“We picked it up throughout the game,” Cossaboone said. “People might have thought the game didn’t matter or it’s just for fun, but it means a lot to us.”
The shifty Miller then broke free on three long runs on the Greyhounds’ next series up to the Red Raider 28.
“He was pretty good,” Cossaboone said. “He’s definitely a play-maker and made things happen. He can roll out, scramble, and basically carried the team on his back.”
But the Red Raider defense clamped down when it counted for another turnover on downs.
Corner Nasir Kelly rose up and got just enough of a Miller pass to save a would-be touchdown.
Moyer then made another big play on an end-around up to midfield.
Mazzitelli broke a 25-yard-plus run into the red zone.
Shortly after he capped the drive with his second score on the day and a 20-0 cushion.
Taylor Eget derailed the ensuing Pleasantville possession with a sack on third down.
The Ocean City offense took over with great field position at the opposing 46 and took full advantage.
Tight end Mike Gray showed off his skills after the catch with a 26-yarder.
Three Red Raider penalties set them back, but Moyer came through to convert a 3rd-and-9 inside the Greyhound 10.
Gunnels rolled out to his right and threw back across to a wide open Gray and the rout was officially on late in the first half.
The teams headed into intermission at 27-0.
Moyer made his biggest play of the day to start the third quarter, taking the kickoff 93 yards the other way to put the game away early at 34-0.
“Jon Moyer – that was a hidden weapon we didn’t even really know we had,” Smith beamed about the sophomore. “He’s mostly played quarterback in practice. We just bumped him to wide receiver this week because of Jack (Hoag) being out. All week in practice we were saying to each other, ‘Did you know Jon was that fast?’ He was special today.”
Zach Holt recovered a fumble just when Pleasantville looked primed to answer on its next drive.
From there the Red Raiders worked in most of their back-ups and started the party early.
“It’ll help them get ready for next year,” Cossaboone said. “Buckle up their chin-straps and get ready.”
Moyer took over at quarterback and continued to flash his speed on keepers.
The Greyhounds added a pair of late touchdowns in desperation mode, including an 81-yard bomb as time expired.
The Greyhounds, to their credit, played hard despite a long layoff and winless record.
“I have a ton of respect for them,” Smith said. “They haven’t had a game in three weeks. For them to keep their team together, for them to show up and play hard, to be organized and engaged – that means something and that’s a good job by them.”
Miller looked dangerous throughout, but the Red Raider defense stayed disciplined to limit his damage.
“He’s got some shake,” Smith said. “We missed a lot of tackles; he makes guys miss. But fortunately we didn’t give up anything too big.”
The Red Raiders ended the year with another blowout win to send the players and fans home happy. It was the first time the Ocean City High School football team posted 12 wins in a season.
“(I’ll always remember) just the heart,” Cossaboone said, “the dedication, the love. We’re all brothers. Everyone here is my brother. I love them all to death; I’d do anything for them.”
“It’s amazing,” McGonigle said. “We didn’t get the outcome we wanted to this year, but we bounced back and finished the year right.”
McGonigle finishes his career having shattered the school kicking records.
“You think about it after the game,” McGonigle said. “You don’t really think about it when you’re out there. It’s nice though. I have to thank my snapper, my holder, my kicking coach (John) Bow. I couldn’t do it without them.”
This group of seniors should walk away proud of everything they accomplished with the program.
“I just told them I was so impressed with their approach,” Smith said. “They just showed up every day ready to play football. Their attitude on Tuesday was their same attitude on Fridays. I think that’s what made them great. There was never a moment they were disengaged. They were easy to coach. I think any coach, if they’re honest, will tell you the season is a grind. It’s a long grind and there are times you get tired. But coming out here was never work, it was always enjoyable and that’s not true every year. As long as the season is, it feels like we’re just at the Battle at the Beach. It went fast.”
By KYLE McCRANE/Sentinel Sports
