It’s safe to say Boulder Creek football is ready for a “do-over.”
That’s what happens when your only win from an otherwise regrettable season was forfeited.
With new beginnings come new opportunities and a clean slate moving forward.
Jaguars’ first-year head coach Tony Casarella has taken over in Anthem and he’ll be leaning heavily on junior wide receiver Tristen D’Angelo who returns bigger, faster and more seasoned after registering 38 receptions for 485 yards and a pair of touchdowns last fall.
At 6’4, 185 pounds D’Angelo presents a unique challenge for opposing defenses: tall enough to stretch the field down the middle, as well as be a steady possession receiver near the boundaries. He’ll play only wide receiver after seeing time in the secondary in 2015.
Besides looking to improve his quickness this off-season, he also focused on adding muscle to his athletic, but wiry frame as he prepares for the rigors of his second full varsity season.
“I’ve got a couple meal plans I’ve been trying to follow,” D’Angelo told Sports360AZ.com in between games at a recent 7-on-7 tournament at ASU. “Just pack on protein and carbohydrates trying to make my body stronger. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to bulk up a little bit. I can definitely use it (smiling).”
D’Angelo is excited for the direction of the program under Casarella and his overhauled staff as the Jags ramp up to their season opener against annual heavyweight Hamilton. He’s also looking forward to hopefully turning some heads the next couple seasons and one day continuing his football career beyond Boulder Creek.
“I’ve done the UofA camp both years so far and I’m planning on going to [University of] Washington and do the camp up there,” he said. “I hope to play Pac-12 football. That’s my ultimate goal.”
A goal which may not be too far-fetched if D’Angelo continues to build off a strong sophomore season.
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.