‘This game means everything’: Weston and Wayland prepare for annual Thanksgiving clash

Weston High School Football Coach Jim Wilcon remembers being congratulated by parents and fans four years ago at halftime of the annual Thanksgiving rivalry game between Weston and Wayland High School.

The score was 12-7, Wayland.

It was Wilcon’s first year as Weston’s head coach. He quickly learned the Wildcats’ record against Wayland was not great, but also that most often, the score wasn’t even close.

Wilcon wanted to change the culture of the rivalry, and fast. He said that just keeping things close was no longer the goal.

“It’s something we all think about during summer workouts,” said Wilcon. “We want to get stronger for the season – but we also want to get bigger, faster and stronger than Wayland gets.”

The two teams have met on Thanksgiving Day for nearly a century.

In Wilcon’s second year at the helm of the program, Weston won on Thanksgiving.

After losing in 2023 and 2024, Weston seeks to taste victory again on Nov. 27.

“This game means everything to our athletes and community,” said Weston Athletic Director Mike McGrath. “It is circled on our calendar every year.”

McGrath said the feeling that comes with beating Wayland is rewarding – one that lasts a couple of months after the game.

“Everyone looks forward to this,” said McGrath. “Anytime Weston plays Wayland in any sport, it is one of the premier games on the schedule.”

McGrath said the rivalry was once fierce but is now full of respect.

Weston comes into the showdown on the heels of a successful season and a MIAA playoff berth. The Wildcats had a 5-3 regular season before falling to Hanover in the first round of the playoffs.

Wilcon said senior leadership has led to the team’s success.

“The seniors have bought into our culture, work ethic and expectations of the program,” said Wilcon. “Our success this year is a reflection of how hard the seniors have worked.”

Senior quarterback Cam Cort leads a balanced attack for the Weston offense. Wilcon said the team emphasizes being able to both run and pass the ball effectively.

Cort has thrown for 17 touchdowns on the season and run for five touchdowns.

A number of seniors will be the main targets for Cort in the passing game, including Ryan Hinckley, Alex Palmer and Dmani Williams.

Wilcon said the depth the team has at receiver makes life easier for Cort as defenses can’t just focus on taking away one of his options.

Defensively, Weston plays aggressively, trying to get to the ball quickly as a unit.

The key to sitting down at the dinner table with a victory in hand is minimizing mistakes, taking care of the football and controlling the game.

“For us, we always try to focus on ourselves,” said Wilcon. “It doesn’t matter who we are playing; it’s about how we execute.”

Wilcon said Wayland is a well-coached and athletic team.

“They are coming in with confidence,” said Wilcon about the Wayland players, who have won three of their last four games. “I think their record (3-7) does not indicate how talented they are.”

Wayland Head Coach Scott Parseghian said his team will have to play with discipline on Turkey Day.

“Our focus all week will be the fundamentals,” said Parseghian. “If we execute in those areas and play with the pride that the Thanksgiving game demands, we give ourselves a great chance to finish the season the right way.”

Parseghian said the game means “everything” to the team and community. He still remembers the feeling of losing to Weston when he was a Wayland player on Thanksgiving Day in 1992.

“This game represents history, pride and the generations of players who have worn the Wayland colors before us,” said Parseghian. “A Thanksgiving victory would make this season feel like a success. For us, this game truly feels like our Super Bowl — an opportunity to honor our seniors, our tradition and everyone who supports Wayland football.”

Wayland High School will host the 2025 rendition of the long-standing rivalry. The game will be played at 10 a.m.