Derek DiAngelis is the first option in the Northern Lebanon football team’s triple option offense. And sometimes the first option is the best option.
A hard, tough runner between the tackles, DiAngelis is Viking quarterback Isaac Ray’s initial read in NL’s read-option offense.
If Ray sees a hole for his fullback, he gives DiAngelis the football. If not he holds on to it, runs with it or pitches it to his tailback.
On Friday night in Kinzers, Ray saw a lot of holes for DiAngelis, and the 5-11, 200-pounder ran through them, with authority. Northern Lebanon’s ability to exploit Pequea Valley’s interior with DiAngelis proved decisive in its 28-21 victory over the Braves.
DiAngelis carried 14 times on the night – more than any other Viking back – and racked up 114 of Northern Lebanon’s 205 rushing yards. DiAngelis’ 37-yard touchdown romp in the first quarter got the Vikings off and running.
That scored gave NL a 7-0 lead, one that it would open up to 28-14 in the final quarter.
And one could say that the versatile and flexible DiAngelis is an all-around guy. Not only does he also excel in wrestling, DiAngelis took third in the Class AA pole vault competition at last spring’s PIAA Track and Field championships.
– JEFF FALK