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 St. Peter-Marian Guardians

St. Peter-Marian's football team wraps up a long first day of camp.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

WORCESTER – New St. Peter-Marian football coach Justin McKay's first day on the job was a long one.

The Guardians met at 1 pm Friday, then hit the practice field at 5 pm, and weren't done until around 7:30. Just when you thought the players were about to catch their breath, McKay reminded them, "what time are we going to be in the auditorium tomorrow?"

"7 am," his team responded in unison.

The grind has officially begun, and St. Peter-Marian hopes to out-work its opposition this year. The Guardians were already one of the most successful programs in Central Mass, annually competing for district titles under former coach Tom Henrickson, and McKay hopes to build off what SPM has already achieved.

Coming over from Algonquin, where he took the Tomahawks from the Mid-Wach cellar to within a game of a district crown, McKay knows he's walking into a much more manageable situation this time around.

"We're lucky because coach Henrickson did such a great job coaching up these kids," McKay said. "So he left us in great shape. The cupboard is far from bare."

RADIO: Tantasqua Lax, Leominster Baseball & New St. Peter-Marian Football Coach Justin McKay

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

It was a jam-packed show this week on WPKZ, as we had three very special guests on "The Local Sports Lunchbox." First, the legendary Voice of Doyle Field, Dick Tucker joined us in the studio to disuss Leominster baseball's magical run to a Mid-Wach A title, and the Blue Devils' postseason prospects. Then, we were joined on the phone by the stars of Tantasqua lacrosse, who are once again tournament-bound.

Finally, new St. Peter-Marian football coach Justin McKay called in to tell us why he took the Guardian job after five years coaching Algonquin (he still teaches at Algonquin), and offer his thoughts on one of his former players, Wachusett alum Tyler Catalina, who recently signed with the Washington Redskins.

For all that, and much, much more, continue below.