- Name: William Dougherty
- Position: RB/ DE
- Height/weight: 5’11” 203 lbs.
- Jersey #: 6
- School & Class: Pennridge 2026
- GPA: 3.92
- Key Stats:
Total Rushing= 556
Total All Purpose Yards= 617
TD's= 5
Sacks= 4
TFL= 5
Yards per carry= 5.6
- Awards:
2024 Offensive MVP,
EPA All-Academic Gold Team
Honorable Mention SOL National RB
- Hudl Link: William Dougherty
- Favorite NFL team: Eagles
- Quote from the coach: “Will was our leading rusher in 2024 with nearly 600 yards and 5 TDs. He also found a home on the Defensive line and had 3 sacks. Will is a very physical runner who is tough to bring down and has an outstanding work ethic. We are excited to see Will have a big senior season on both sides of the ball!” -Sean Pelosi
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for Pennridge this season or in your career?
“My proudest moment was being able to work and improve myself beyond anything I ever dreamed of becoming.”
Could you describe a play where you made a game-changing impact? What was going through your mind?
“During our away game at CB East the first half they had about three touchdowns on us and we came back out with some attitude. The first drive of the second half they just kept handing the ball off to me and we drove the ball down their throats. Which I remember the team being really impacted by that drive.”
What’s the toughest part of playing running back & defensive end, and how do you prepare for each?
“The hardest part about RB and DE I would say is the quick decision making that you have to make during the play. I prepare myself by looking at what’s in front of me and predicting what I likely need to do to do my job.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“Brian Dawkins is a player that I am able to relate myself to, Brain when he runs out onto the field he transforms into a beast and makes himself feel unstoppable. When I walk onto the field I make myself feel like I’m something entirely different from what I am and perform to the best of my ability.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“This season I’m just grinding to get as fast as I possibly can that includes agility and sprints.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I started playing football at 5 years old and my love for hitting and working as hard as possible has never dwindled.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My biggest supporter would be my Stepdad Jason Axe who coached all of my younger years of football and has been to basically everything and he records almost all of my games up until now.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome in my early years of high school was self doubt and doubt from others. I’ve learned now that discouragement is your biggest enemy and it stops average people from becoming great.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Playing in this league has taught me that competition in this world is fierce and there is always someone out there working as hard as they can to become the best you just have to want it more then that person.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“I honestly don’t have a ritual to get in the zone I just need to make sure that I’m ready to flip my brain and just want to take someone’s head off.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“Definitely “Gangster’s Paradise” mostly because it just makes me feel like I got nothing to lose.”
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“My team and coaches always call me 5 6. I may never know the real reason why or when but that’s what they call me.”
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
“I would take my former teammate Chase Marshal’s speed, he is a really fast track player and is a good footballer too.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with Pennridge?
“My biggest goal for this year is leading my team to being the most unbreakable team in the league.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“My dream for college football is to get a chance to play for any of the best programs around and to be used for my strengths.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“Whatever my path is in five years I just want to be a better version of myself in every aspect of my life.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for Pennridge in the Suburban One League special to you?
“Pennridge is an amazing school for football we play some of the biggest and most competitive teams in the state, but just the culture, community and atmosphere is what makes Pennridge great and I’m lucky to be a big part of it.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“My guy Shane Rowand has played football with me when I first started football and he has put in the work and is a great offense and defensive lineman and deserves more of the spotlight.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“Our homecoming game during the season always has basically the entire school come out to the game and is always a loud and exciting moment.”
“Playing against Truman my sophomore year. It was a close game all game then out of no where I took a screen pass all the way for a touchdown and the crowd went crazy.”