Doherty Rallies Late Against Rival St. Peter-Marian

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

WORCESTER - In a game that looked all too pedestrian for three-plus quarters, things suddenly took a wild turn in the latter stages.

Once St. Peter-Marian's Matt Dumphy hit the ground running following his 57-yard punt return for a touchdown with 8:18 remaining, putting the Guardians ahead by eight points, things were looking good for the home team.

But an ill wind suddenly blew across the SPM sideline soon thereafter, as two Guardian miscues would lead to pair of Doherty touchdowns, resulting in an improbable 26-22 victory for the Highlanders on a chilly, overcast Saturday afternoon. 

MIAA Football Camp Road Trip: The Doherty Highlanders

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

WORCESTER - After its young core was baptized by fire in 2016, Doherty has big ambitions for 2017.

But it won't be easy, as the Highlanders were major jumpers in this season's realigned divisions, moving up to Division 3 Central, the largest classification teams in Central Mass can compete in.

Still, with a junior and senior-laden squad, plus some big games under its belt, Doherty will look to surprise some of the CMass blue bloods.

Leominster Tops Doherty in a Battle of Big Plays

 By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

The Leominster Blue Devils bested the Doherty Highlanders 28-20 Friday night in an exciting battle that featured its fair share of big plays. Although Leominster never relinquished the lead, it was a hard fought, back-and-forth struggle that took place inside Worcester's Foley Stadium.

Of the seven touchdowns scored in the game, three of them were from 45 or more yards out.

Tajon Vasser of Doherty had a 76-yard kick return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Then, in the third quarter, Highlander Quarterback Chris Schoen connected with teammate J.J. Early, who turned on the jets for a 50-yard score.

SuiteSports Game of the Week: Leominster at Doherty

Leominster quarterback Noah Gray and coach Dave Palazzi open their season against a young Doherty squad.

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

Welcome back to the high school football season, everyone! It’s time for some fun under the Friday night lights. To start our season here at SuiteSports, we have our first Game of the Week. Leominster makes the trip to Worcester Friday night at 7 pm for what could end up being a fairly defense-heavy game.

The game will be played at Foley Stadium, and here's what you can expect from the Highlanders and Blue Devils.

Two Different Worlds

Despite both Leominster and Doherty seeing success over the last few seasons, capped by disappointing playoff losses last year, their current situations are quite different. Leominster enters Friday’s game with a plethora of returning players, many of whom are seniors. The Blue Devils, of course, have a stellar quarterback in Noah Grey. Although losing some major play makers at wide receiver, the backfield is still loaded behind a real tough offensive line.

Central Mass High School Football Road Trip: Doherty

Sophomore Tajon Vassar will start on both sides of the ball for Doherty.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Doherty football has reached new heights the past four seasons.

After a lengthy playoff drought, the Highlanders have reached the post season the last four years, including a state memorable Division 4 state championship run in 2013.

It's a run of success not known to Worcester public schools on the gridiron, and the result of years of grinding and program building under longtime coach Sean Mulcahy.

That's why, though the team is very, very young this year, you'd still be hard-pressed to find somebody around Central Mass doubting the Highlanders. Doherty has become one of the programs around Central Mass we expect to contend annually, and while this may be a bit of a re-loading year, the Highlanders certainly aren't conceding anything yet.

Here's what to expect from Doherty in 2016.

Video: Doherty Football Players Discuss Head Injuries

Doherty linebacker Rhakim Williams

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Though it may seem like it, I don't only write about lacrosse.

This week, I have a cover story in Worcester Magazine on concussions, and how they affect the Central Mass football scene. The story features some cutting-edge research taking place at UMass Medical in Worcester, along with stories from Central Mass football alumni now playing in the NFL and college, as well as some of the region's most respected coaches and youth football organizers.

The piece also features some input from Shrewsbury lacrosse coach Nate Skermont because, as many of you know, concussions are not just a football issue.

While working on the story, I stopped by Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester to speak with some current Highlanders about their awareness and attitudes toward concussions. You can check out that video below.

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profile: Jahkari Carpenter

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Throughout January our SuitePreps section will be rolling out profiles for some of the top football recruits in Massachusetts, all leading up to National Signing Day on February 4th. We continue our rundown today with Doherty running back Jahkari Carpenter, a human highlight-reel who helped the Highlanders win the 2013 Division 4 state championship, and rushed for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior in 2014.

Jahkari Carpenter

Doherty Memorial High School (Worcester)
Running Back
5'7'', 160 lbs.
College Choice: Doing a Post Grad Year at Bridgton Academy in Maine.
Senior Highlights

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 7

Doherty has dominated Inter-High in recent years, but will face a talented and motivated North squad Friday night.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We've already looked back on Week 6 of Central Mass high school football in my latest Power Rankings, so let's move right onto previewing this weekend's games.

Central Mass HS Football Preview & Preseason Power Rankings

Doherty (white) is the reigning D4 state champion, but many are expecting Shepherd Hill (maroon) to contend for a state crown in 2014.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

High school football season is upon us, and Central Massachusetts boasts several teams with state championship aspirations. Check out our preseason Power Rankings, along with a division-by-division preview of what to expect from CMass football in 2014.

Power Rankings

1. St. John's
Last Season: 9-4, Division 2 State Runner-Up

The Pioneers will need to replace two-time All-State quarterback Drew Smiley, but with Boston College commit Davon Jones making plays at receiver and safety, plus the return of stars Sean Ragan (Jr, G) and Shane Combs (Sr, QB/RB), St. John's is once again a favorite to make it to Gillette Stadium.

To read more about the 2014 Pioneers, click here.

Doherty Football Alums Prepare for College Debuts Against Each Other

Isaac Yiadom (left) and Alfred Adarkwah (right) helped lead Doherty to a state championship in 2013.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Doherty's historic run to a Massachusetts Division 4 state football championship last season was due, in no small part, to a pair of extremely talented receivers/defensive backs.

After playing next to each other for a championship on the Highlander offense and defense last December at Gillette Stadium, Boston College's Isaac Yiadom and UMass' Alfred Adarkwah will find themselves back in Foxboro, but on opposite sidelines during today's Battle of the Bay State.

CMass Football Preview: The 2014 Doherty Highlanders

Star senior guard Sean Moran will lead one of the region's best offensive lines, and could start at middle linebacker as well.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The Doherty Highlanders were as good a story as there was in the Commonwealth last year, capturing the inaugural Division 4 Massachusetts state football championship.

The run of those Highlanders ended a 33-year playoff and Super Bowl drought for the program, and established Doherty as a name that merits consideration statewide.

But, as you might expect, that special squad was led by a special group of seniors who have all since graduated, with many taking their games to the next level. Star receiver/safety Isaac Yiadom is now playing defense in Chestnut Hill as an up-and-coming defensive back for Boston College, while receiver Alfred Adarkwah is hoping to earn his keep as a red-zone threat at UMass. Quarterback Luke Brennan is now pitching for Franklin Pierce, and numerous other key players are lost to graduation as well, including defensive back/receiver Shawn Jackson, linebacker Pete Franco and two-way lineman Matt Smalls.

But the cupboard is far from bare on Highland Street in Worcester. Doherty returns five starters on both sides of the ball, and the spots with little experience are loaded with athleticism. Here's what to expect foam the 2014 Highlanders.

Video Preview: 2014 Doherty Football

Doherty running back Jahkari Carpenter

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

I will have a full write up on the 2014 Doherty Highlanders, and their quest to defend their Division 4 state championship, tomorrow. In the mean time, check out this quick video preview I produced with new ESPN Boston correspondent Mike Uva.

Doherty has a ton to replace, but the talent, hunger and leadership all appear to be there.

Click below to watch our video preview.