Football comes up short to Hopkinton

Sofia Ciciarelli

September 18, 2025

The varsity football team lost to Hopkinton High School with a score of 28-32 on Friday, Sept. 12 for their first away game of the season. Wayland’s offense in the first three quarters stayed mostly stagnant, but they were able to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, tightening the score. Despite Wayland’s improved offense, Hopkinton held on for a final touchdown. “We actually played pretty well,” junior Dmitry Galper said. “It just took us a while to get there.”

Getting past a Hopkinton player, junior captain Brajae Walton takes the ball several yards down the field. Walton was a major contributor this game in retaining possession and continuously pushed Wayland closer to the end zone. (Credit: Sofia Ciciarelli)

First quarter:

On the first play of the game, Hopkinton’s running back scored a long rushing touchdown, putting Hopkinton on the board.

Once Hopkinton re-gained possession of the ball, a player fumbled it, resulting in Wayland retrieving the ball. Shortly after, Galper scored Wayland’s first touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. It didn’t stay tied for long though, as senior captain Dylan Engelhardt made the Point After Touchdown (PAT), giving Wayland a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

“With our offense scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and Engelhardt helping me score that defensive touchdown in the first, we exceeded expectations [for the game],” Galper said.

After Wayland’s first touchdown, the team takes a pause to celebrate in the middle of the field. Despite several players having injuries, they came onto the field to celebrate the Warriors’ success. (Credit: Sofia Ciciarelli)

Second quarter:

The second quarter started slow with both teams struggling to break through on offense. However, Hopkinton managed to score their second touchdown to take the lead against Wayland. In response to the setback, Wayland’s student section—dressed in an all white psych—shouted chants to encourage the Warriors.

By halftime, Hopkinton was winning 14-7.

Some halftime festivities included Hopkinton’s cheer team performing a routine, and soon after, Wayland senior captain Juliana McDonald doing some tumbling on the field.

In the second quarter, senior Zuriya Lopes, along with the rest of the cheer team, perform cheers. The cheerleading team is required to go to each football game, supporting the Warriors and showing off their routines. (Credit: Sofia Ciciarelli)

Third quarter:

In the third quarter, Wayland’s offense continued to have trouble pushing the ball downfield. Hopkinton was able to score yet another touchdown, putting them two touchdowns ahead of Wayland.

At the end of the third quarter, Hopkinton was winning 20-7.

The WHS student section cheers on the Warriors. Each game, the ‘Wayland High School Fan Section’ Facebook comes out with a new psyche for WHS students to participate in, promoting school spirit. (Credit: Sofia Ciciarelli)

Fourth quarter:

In the fourth quarter, Wayland’s offense started to show some life, as they mounted a comeback to bring the game within four points.

Junior Mikey Johansson and Engelhardt scored two touchdowns for Wayland. However, Hopkinton was able to score late in the fourth quarter to pull ahead of Wayland.

The final score was 32-28, Hopkinton taking the win.

According to Galper, Wayland moved up a division from last year and is now facing tougher teams.

“The record might be worse this year, but struggling with harder competition will set us up for great success next season when we all return as seniors,” Galper said.

The Warriors’ next game is on Friday, Sept. 19 at home. This is WHS’s homecoming game, followed by the dance in the WHS field house.

In the third quarter, the starting team takes a timeout, with Assistant Coach Christopher Newton giving them advice. Along with Newton, there are five other assistant coaches that help direct the players during the game: Sean Chase, Sean Goodfellow, Jim Girard, Kerry Murtagh and Jeff Brewington. (Credit: Sofia Ciciarelli)

Donate to Wayland Student Press

$550

$2000

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Wayland High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment, cover our annual website hosting costs and sponsor admission and traveling costs for the annual JEA journalism convention.

About the Contributor

Sofia Ciciarelli, Co-Multimedia Editor

Sofia Ciciarelli, Class of 2026, is a second year reporter and co-multimedia editor for WSPN. Along with this, she is a co-junior editor for the yearbook. In the spring, she is a member of the varsity outdoor track and field team. Outside of school, Sofia likes spending time with family and friends, photography and being outside. Contact: [email protected]