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OCEAN CITY - Talent plays a big role in winning, but experience can't be underestimated.

Southern Regional High School's surf team proved that Tuesday at the wild-card game of this week's Red Bull Riders Cup New Jersey Regional Qualifier.

In unspectacular 2-to-3-foot surf at Ocean City's First Street Beach, the Rams defeated Point Pleasant Borough 48.8-43.3. The tournament uses the National Surf League's 'Game' format, which enables a coach to use timeouts, substitutions and team tactics. It involves a far different strategy from the traditional surf contest. It is also used in the X Games.

This was Point Pleasant's first time in the Riders Cup. Southern Regional competed in 2008.

"Last year, it was all new to us. We learned the drill, and this year there was no confusion," said Southern junior and MVP Connor Willem. "Plus, the water coach was a big help."

Each surfer's best wave from each of three periods contributes to the final score.

Southern Regional got off to a slow start. Willem posted a period-high 5.2 with several frontside re-entries, but the rest of the squad faltered, only managing 3-point waves. Point Pleasant's Jordan Beverly, also a wrestling standout, came out tough, immediately finding a fast right, and completing a powerful move for a 5.5. But the rest of the squad fell short of Southern's efforts, trailing after the first period, 14.3 to 11.6.

In the second period, senior Mark Dietz and junior Keith Calandra each scored 4.2s and Willem a 4.8. Despite Beverly's game-high 6.5, Southern led 17.4 to 16.8 going into the final period.

"They really kept focused and communicated in the water," said Southern coach Pat Emery. "I could see them pointing to whoever needed to improve their score. I was really impressed with that."

Southern increased its lead the top half of the third period. Willem's third wave was top to bottom for a 4.3. Keith Calandra found a long right and notched a 4.8, with Dietz and Tim Raimo adding 4s. Emery was able to call timeouts to allow for lulls in the wave action.

Point Pleasant didn't have the depth to make up the 20-point deficit in the bottom of the last period, though Beverly unleashed a powerful turn, rode backward and completed a full reverse for a 6.

"I've never surfed a team event. This is such a cool format," said Point Pleasant team captain Beverly, after receiving the Most Radical Maneuver Award, "I am a captain of the wrestling team, too, so I was just pretty much keeping everyone stoked out there and keeping their heads up."

Today, conditions permitting, Manasquan High School surfs against Middle Township in the first semifinal at the First Street Beach in Ocean City. Last year, Middle was eliminated by Manasquan in the semis. Southern will face Ocean City on Thursday in the other semifinal.

Since the inaugural Red Bull Riders Cup in 2007, Ocean City is undefeated in the state, winning both New Jersey events. This week's top team will head to the national championships in California in June.

For more information, go to www.nationalsurfleague.com.

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