- Name: Matthew Pownall
- Position(s): RB/ DB
- Height/Weight: 5’11” 180 lbs.
- Jersey #29
- School & Class: North PennNorth Penn 2026
- Key Stats: 1500 all purpose yards, Rushing: 175-941 4TDs, Receiving: 30-559-5TDs, 60 tackles, 10 PBU’s, 2 INTs, and 1 sack
- Awards: Team MVP, 1st Team All-League RB, 1st Tram All-League DB
- Hudl Link
- Favorite NFL team? Philadelphia Eagles
- Quote from the head coach: “Matt is a 3 year starter, Our most versatile player, Can play RB/WR on O and C/S on defense. Led 2024 team in total offense. Pownall could be the most versatile player in the State with offers from both Army and Navy.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for North Penn this season or in your career?
“Catching the game winning touchdown in overtime against CB south this past season. The amount of support from the fans and atmosphere was amazing!”
What’s the toughest part of playing running back and defensive back and how do you prepare for it?
“The toughest part about playing running back is reading blocks and making the right cuts. Playing defensive back is a really tough as it is one the hardest positions in sports. You need to have short term memory and make plays with the best of your ability. I tend to watch the hips which give away where the receivers is going. I watch film for both positions allowing me to perform the best I can.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“My favorite player is Sauce Gardner. He is the best at his position at the highest level and has perfected his craft.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“I am working on my footwork and speed this offseason. Speed kills at any level of football.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I started playing football at the age of 5 years old. My dad introduce me to football and fell in love with it ever since. I played for the Roxburough Eagles growing up and made many friends.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My biggest supporters have been my family. My parents have put endless hours of driving me to and from practice for many years. And my Two brothers have shown a lot of support going to all of my games.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“A challenge I have overcome was on the field. I struggled my sophomore year a lot and knew I had to be better. I worked a a lot in the offseason preparing for a big junior season.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“I would say it definitely shaped me to become the athlete that I am now. The competition is always at a high level and fast paced.”
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“My pregame ritual is talking to god. I thank him before every game allowing me to play football the sport I love. I ask him to watch over me and walk with me during my game. Ultimately provide me my confidence and athletic ability to perform.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with North Penn?
“My biggest goal for my season this year is to win a league championship and suppress my stats from last season.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“Yes, I am planning on playing football in college as I have been blessed be given offers to play division 1 football. My dream program would be Penn State.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“I see myself developing and playing really good football for a good college.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for North Penn in the Suburban One League special to you?
“It really is an honor to play for such a great school with a championship caliber history. I love all of my coaches as they have helped me develops and be a great athlete. The league is very tough but with our coaching staff and their experience they prepared the team very well.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“A teammate who is under the radar would be Aiden Ashley! He is my fullback and does his job every game and I have so much respect for him.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“The loudest or most memorable crowd moment that I have experienced in a game was again CB South in the playoffs! I had made a game winning catch to take us to the district championship!”