Bastrop flies out of the gate with speedy transfer Crescenzo

Bastrop wide receiver Dallas Crescenzo (1) is off to the races against Alvin on Friday

By Jim Irish

Photos by Chris White

Dallas Crescenzo almost fell out of the sky and into Bastrop High School's football program.

Crescenzo, a 6-foot, 185-pound receiver and defensive back or safety in a pinch, recently transferred to Bear country from Santaluces High School in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Last season in Florida, Crescenzo, a sophomore, had 22 receptions for 319 yards and five touchdowns. Rated a three-star recruit, he has received offers from 11 universities, including UCLA.

In Friday's season opening victory over Alvin 55-14 at Memorial Stadium, he showed that he's a gamebreaker. He took the first kickoff 38 yards. On the first play from scrimmage, Crescenzo caught a pass on a slant pattern, broke a tackle, and was gone for a 57-yard touchdown.

Crescenzo also has the ability to throw. In the second quarter, he started to run with the ball but threw left-handed to Zachary Wilkinson, who caught a 17-yard score at his shoestrings.

Bastrop's Zack Wilkinson snags 17-yard touchdown pass from Dallas Crescenzo in second quarter

After a Bastrop touchdown, he caught a two-point conversion from quarterback Weston Nielsen.

In all, Crescenzo had five receptions for 104 yards.

He was just what the doctor ordered after Bastrop graduated speedsters Ramonz Adams and Keyshon Moore, currently on the rosters at the University of Washington and Midwestern State (Texas) University, respectively.

Other Bears turned in strong performances. After a 7-7 tie in the second quarter, Bastrop exploded for six consecutive touchdowns.

In the second quarter, running back Gary Jefferson was undefended when he caught a pass and sprinted 38 yards for the score.

Bastrop defensive lineman Tiki Hola (55) mauls an Alvin running back

He flashed his speed again in the third quarter on a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown. He scored the Bears' final touchdown, running to his right and hitting the pylon on a 17-yarder.

Overall, he contributed 98 yards rushing on nine carries and 82 yards on three receptions.

Bastrop put the game out of reach with some heads-up defense after leading 21-7 at the half. On the first play of the third quarter, Bastrop defensive back Kennis Hunt intercepted a short pass by Alvin quarterback Anthony Desanto and bolted 12 yards for the score.

On Alvin's next offensive series, defensive lineman Val Regalado picked off a Desanto pass with his right hand and rumbled nine yards for the touchdown.

Bastrop defensive lineman Val Regalado (99) holds the ball aloft after intercepting a pass for a touchdown

In less than two minutes, Bastrop built a 36-7 advantage.

"Our defensive line is our strength," Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl said. "This year, we're four down linemen, so it allows us to be a little more creative ..."

"Our defensive line is our strength."

Bastrop head coach Jake Griedl

Nielsen called his own number on a 16-yard run for a touchdown with 23 second remaining in the third quarter.

A third-year starter and only a junior, the highly recruited Nielsen was not sacked or intercepted. He completed 14-of-23 passes for 222 yards. Several of his throws were dropped by receivers.

Regarding drops, Griedl said receivers have to attach "eyes to catch it."

Bastrop travels to play China Springs at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Last season, Bastrop fell to China Springs 27-24 at home.

Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas