Everett High football royalty – in the name of Division 1 college football players Mike Sainristil and Jason Maitre – attended the Cambridge-Everett boys basketball state tournament game Friday night at Everett High School.

Michigan’s Sainristil and Boston College’s Maitre were greeted by Everett head coach Theluxon Pierre, and some of their former teammates.

Sainristil completed a successful freshman season as a receiver for the Wolverines, catching a pass in the Citrus Bowl game against Alabama.

“It was a great experience, especially playing against a team as high caliber as Alabama,” said Sainristil. “Coming in to the program as a freshman out of Massachusetts, just being able to get on the field is a dream come true for me. I’m glad I got to seize that opportunity.”

Sainristil said he’s looking to contribute more to the Michigan offense next season.

“I hope to accomplish more with my teammates,” said Sainristil, who was the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior year at Everett High. “There’s a lot of tough competition in the Big 10 like Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State – a lot of rivalry games but you just try to be the best player you can be and help your team.”

Sainristil said Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy (a projected first-round NFL draft pick] was one of the best players he saw all season. “We also went against guys like KJ Hamler of Penn State – who’s probably one of the fastest people I’ve ever seen running in person.”

Maitre was a starting defensive back for the Eagles, who played in the Birmingham Bowl against Cincinnati. Maitre talked about new BC head coach Jeff Hafley.

“We love him – he’s a DB (defensive back) guy and he’s been nothing but good to us,” said Maitre. “We’ve had our first spring practices and everyone is working hard. Things are going well so far.”

Maitre said BC’s 2019 season was “more of a learning experience for me.”

“Just getting on the field and getting comfortable with the playing role – as the season went on, I started making more and more plays,” he said.

Maitre said playing in the Birmingham Bowl (in Alabama)

was “a good experience even though we lost.” Interestingly, that bowl game was delayed 91 minutes due to lightning.

Maitre reflected on the Eagles’ game against Clemson and Tigers’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence this past season.

“He’s a really good player,” said Maitre. “He’s a big guy and makes the tough throws but I like going against him.” Among the many athletes welcoming back Sainristil and Maitre was current Everett football player Ish Zamor, who is being recruited by Division 1 college football programs.