LITTLEFIELD — Matt Dougherty has gone from wet behind the ears to a key piece of the Ayden-Grifton football team in just more than a year.
Putting on the pads for the first time as a sophomore, Dougherty has become one of the top quarterbacks in the Carolina 1-A Conference this season, and the junior seems to be improving more each week.
Ayden-Grifton quarterback Matt Dougherty has become a leader for the Charger offense in just his second season of playing football.
"Ever since I was little, I always wanted to play quarterback, so I would go out and throw the football and things like that," said Dougherty, who has thrown nine touchdown passes and run for another this season. "My favorite player was Troy Aikman and I really looked up to him, so it's pretty cool."
Dougherty admits his signal-calling is still a work in progress and he's got a ways to go before reaching the level of his football idol, but for now, the Chargers (6-2, 2-0 Carolina) would just be happy if he could continue his recent play as they travel to North Duplin tonight.
And why not? Dougherty's recent efforts have led A-G to consecutive conference wins since a disappointing nonconference loss against North Pitt three weeks ago. In those victories, the Charger offense has averaged 50 points.
"We can't get ahead of ourselves, but we are doing a whole lot better than we were doing," said Dougherty, who says the team has learned from the mistakes it made against NP.
The adjustment to football was eased by Dougherty's natural athleticism, which has allowed him to also play basketball, soccer, baseball and run track for A-G. Also helping Dougherty become accustomed to the quarterback position have been a host of experienced players, who Dougherty says have also made things easier with their ability to make plays.
Among the weapons Dougherty has at his disposal are receivers Courtney Fuller and Keith Jones along with running backs J.D. Strickland, Jeremy Hardy and Perseus Williams. An improved offensive line has also made a difference.
"The coaches were kind of on them, but they've really picked it up lately," Dougherty said of the offensive line. "The team has really helped me out and talked to me to give me confidence, and I appreciate that. The coaches have also helped a lot, and I'm really happy with the way they work with me."
Dougherty's technique has been the biggest focus of the coaches who have worked with him since last year, and he says he plans to attend a football camp this summer to assist with that as well. In the meantime, Dougherty is still hoping to perfect an aspect of his game that only he can control.
"I want to step up and be a leader like coach has been asking me to do all year," Dougherty said. "That's very important when you're a quarterback, and I think I can be one."
Sidenote-Matt was a member of our 16oo meter relay team that were the regional champions last year. He also ran the 800 meter run, the mile and the two mile in addition to the 1600 meter relay. Great job Matt. We wish you continued good luck this season and we are all looking forward to track this year...Coach D.
Brock Letchworth/The Daily Reflector
