Doherty Edges Wachusett on Opening Night

By John McGuirk (@patsfan13)

Holden, Mass. - While many came into opening night enamored with Doherty's potential offensive ceiling, it was the Highlanders' defense which took center stage during Friday night's season-opener against Wachusett Regional.

In a battle between two of the more dominant teams in Central Mass, Doherty managed to pick off Mountaineer quarterback Melke Shabo three times, and also recovered a pair of Shabo fumbles en route to a 14-7 victory at Hal Lane Field.

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.

UPDATE: Doherty's Mike Oppong Not Suspended

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Less than a day after announcing on Twitter that he had been suspended for kneeling during the national anthem of his team's opener, Doherty football player Mike Oppong has said the suspension has been "terminated."

As we reported in our Weekend Wrap, the junior claimed he was suspended by his principal and his coaches after taking a knee during the anthem at Doherty's opener against Leominster.

Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Binienda released a statement saying Oppong would not be suspended, though she never mentions if there was an initial suspension that had been rescinded.

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.

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.

Central Mass HS Football Preview: Week 2

Auburn and star running back Mark Wright will be looking for payback against Hudson.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

The high school football season in Central Massachusetts began for a handful of squads last week, but things really get going tonight and tomorrow for most of the teams around the region.

While I will be in Brockton tonight for ESPN Boston covering the Boxers' game against St. John's Prep, here are some things to watch out for in the Heart of the Commonwealth.

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.