Credit: Sasha Libenzon

Seniors prepare for their senior night on Nov. 1. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. under the WHS turf lights. The psych for the game will be “USA.”

On Friday, Nov. 1, the varsity football team will host their senior night under the lights against Newton South High School (NSHS). The senior ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m.. The fan section psych for this game is “USA,” meaning that Wayland fans will dress up in red, white and blue while they support the football team.

NSHS is currently ranked No. 33 in Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division I power rankings, which is last place. Wayland is currently No. 7 in Division 4, and can hopefully walk away with a win on their senior night.

“Throughout the off season we’ve been working hard for this moment,” wide receiver and defensive back Donovan Mason said. “I’m excited to see us finish out the season hopefully on a good note.”

As this is Wayland’s senior night, the team and fans will be celebrating each of the 18 seniors that are on the team. The seniors include captains Max Dresens, Micheal Keenan, Owen Finnegan, Luke Dipetrio-Froio, Ben Hynes and players Mason, Jaden Kaufman, Braden Leichliter, Cole Chase, Peyton Moran, Nathan Tobe, Ankeit Nambiar, John Chausse, Leroyal Hairston, Bowen Morrison, Ben Jackson, Jamie Buffum and Sully Nguyen.

“I’m just taking everything in [during this practice] because tomorrow is our senior night,” wide receiver and safety Leichliter said. “I’m really thinking about how the seasons went because it’s gonna be a memory of a lifetime.”

This Week 8 game could possibly be the team’s last time playing at the WHS turf. Some of the seniors are feeling emotional and nostalgic about what could be their last home game.

“It’s pretty surreal [because] I started playing football in second grade, so it’s kind of crazy that this could [the] last time I might ever play here at the WHS turf for football,” Chase said. “In terms of this game, I’m fully confident we can win, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be playing on Wayland’s turf again.”

Team manager and senior Salma Dwidar will also be celebrated at the ceremony. Dwidar has been the team manager for the last two seasons. During the ceremony, Dwidar will be celebrated for her dedication along with the rest of the senior football players.

“Although it’s really sad, I am really happy for the team and how far we’ve come. I have created so many friendships and connections with the players on and off the field,” Dwidar said. “It’s just great to be a part of such a great community and brotherhood.”

Gallery • 10 Photos

Credit: Jillian Mele

Senior captain Michael Keenan looks for an open teammate. Keenan is the starting quaterback for Wayland. "I'm excited for this game because its senior night," Keenan said. "We've all been playing football together for around 5 years now."