<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=08ZHnI_1GtZJYGx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=08ZHnI_1GtZJYGx00" width="447" height="497" ><figcaption>Senior football player Matt Dougherty.</figcaption></figure>After suffering a torn ACL during his freshman football season, Matthew Dougherty (‘27) faced a long road back to the football field. Now a senior at Reading High School, Dougherty has worked his way into the team’s lineup, earning starting minutes and making an impact on the field.Dougherty’s recovery required patience, dedication, and a willingness to push past adversity to return to a very physical sport. Also in the return, it is very normal to be having second thoughts of the injury as an athlete, although that did not seem to be a problem for Dougherty so far this season producing three touchdowns and one interception. Matt pushes past the thoughts and performs at a high level. To get to that point, Dougherty explained his recovery process was a little different than others. Where most ACL injuries take around 7 months, his took 9. He said, “My recovery process was a lot different than most. There were slow steps like running after three months, then I could gradually run routes and try cuts on the field after six months.” After the hard-work in the recovery process, Dougherty expressed, “It was a great feeling when I got the green light getting back on the field, along with feeling better and stronger than I did before.”From a point of not feeling confident in his ability with sports after the injury, and being in a really low point, to having a monster year for the team means a lot to Dougherty. He said, “I feel like I’ve really regained my confidence and strength. I feel very accomplished and I’m happy that it’s getting noticed.”Dougherty’s impact extends beyond his personal recovery. According to assistant varsity football coach and social studies teacher Mr. Blanchard, his work ethic and physical style of play have been a valuable asset to the team. He also talked about what Dougherty brings off the field.“Matt’s the type of kid you always want on your team, the type of behavior that he brings is what you want everyone on the team to engage in,” Blanchard said. “From day one I always respected Matt’s work ethic. He’s not the biggest kid in the world, but he’s out there playing a very physical, hard-nosed game. He gives top effort at everything that he does.”Blanchard mentioned how Dougherty scored a touchdown against Lexington, and explained, “I’m very happy for him with how far he’s come.” Coach also noted that Dougherty’s older brother, Jack Dougherty (‘23), a current Division 1 track and field athlete at Stonehill College, had a similar approach to the game to Matt. The family connection, combined with the Dougherty brothers trustworthiness, honesty, and upright attitude, means a lot to the coaching staff of the football team. Ultimately, Dougherty was the last person to deserve this injury, and despite the consequences from it, he became stronger, physically and mentally. </div></body>

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After suffering a torn ACL during his freshman football season, Matthew Dougherty (‘27) faced a long road back to the football field. Now a senior at Reading High School, Dougherty has worked his way into the team’s lineup, earning starting minutes and making an impact on the field.

Back from ACL Injury, Dougherty Earns Varsity Playing Time

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After suffering a torn ACL during his freshman football season, Matthew Dougherty (‘27) faced a long road back to the football field. Now a senior at Readi

Back from ACL Injury, Dougherty Earns Varsity Playing Time

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