Doherty Football Alums Prepare for College Debuts Against Each Other

Isaac Yiadom (left) and Alfred Adarkwah (right) helped lead Doherty to a state championship in 2013.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Doherty's historic run to a Massachusetts Division 4 state football championship last season was due, in no small part, to a pair of extremely talented receivers/defensive backs.

After playing next to each other for a championship on the Highlander offense and defense last December at Gillette Stadium, Boston College's Isaac Yiadom and UMass' Alfred Adarkwah will find themselves back in Foxboro, but on opposite sidelines during today's Battle of the Bay State.

Many around the state are chirping that Yiadom could see the field this season as a freshman defensive back, and the speedy play maker has hit the weight room and packed on 10 lbs. in preparation for his first campaign.

After dominating at Doherty as a receiver, kick returner and corner, Yiadom has fought to No. 5 on the Eagles' depth chart at cornerback, and should see some time on special teams as well.

While Yiadom was listed by ESPN's Scouts Inc. as the third-best high school prospect in the Commonwealth last year, Adarkwah flew under the radar early on. But, the 6-foot-4 receiver saw a meteoric rise in his recruiting stock after a sensational playoff run that saw him haul in seven touchdowns on just 10 catches, establishing himself as the top red zone threat in Massachusetts.

After considering offers from Wagner and hometown Assumption, UMass offered Adarkwah an invited walk-on spot just before National Signing Day, making his dream of playing Division I football a reality.

While Adarkwah may not see much action early in his career (few walk-ons ever do) he's still excited to see his old teammate at Gillette today.

"Going against Isaac will be different," Adarkwah said. "But both of us not only love the game we play, but respect each others' paths. I can't wait until Saturday."

UMass will host Boston College at Gillette Stadium (despite commuting 60 more miles than the Eagles) today at 3 pm. The game can be seen on ESPN3.