WASHINGTON, Ga. ()- Two high school football teams will take the field for one of the most historic rivalries in the CSRA Friday night.

But this year, these rivals are coming together in a special way. 

Dating back to 1922, Lincoln County and Washington-Wilkes have battled on the football field in the rivalry known as “The 378 War”.

But this year, the Tigers are paying a special tribute to one of the opposing coaches that’s in a much bigger battle with cancer. 

For Tigers head coach Alex Bradford, knows what it’s like playing against the Red Devils—but he also knows Lincoln County athletic director and defensive coordinator Parker Martin. 

“At the time he was a defensive coordinator here, I was actually at Lincoln. So, we’ve kind of been competing against each other—never been on the same staff, but have known each other for several years,” said Bradford.

Martin used to coach at Washington-Wilkes, and his wife’s parents spent their entire careers working in the Wilkes County school system.

But just two months ago, Martin was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.

That’s why Washington-Wilkes athletic director Lisa Isham wanted to do something to help. 

“Hope (Martin’s wife) is a nurse, he’s a teacher and coach, and they’re raising three small children. To have to go through the struggle, we just want to be there for them and show them some love and support,” Isham said.

At Friday night’s game, she’ll be passing out bracelets that she bought to raise colon cancer awareness, along with buckets to take donations that will go towards Martin’s recovery.

For Martin, it means the world. 

“It kinda blows you away. You never really think of yourself being in this situation, but then you’re overwhelmed and you almost don’t feel worthy. But then you need to realize that God put us here to love on other people, and that’s what people are trying to do,” said Martin.

Lincoln County head football coach Lee Chomskis says Martin is plays a critical role in the program, and his resilience in this difficult time is a lesson he wants his players to take to heart.

“Tough times never last, but tough people do. Parker is showing a great deal of toughness, and I think our kids can learn a great value in that,” Chomskis said. “Life is going to throw you some curveballs. There’s going to be a lot of ups and a lot of downs, but you have to keep grinding, and remember you need to have a faith in a higher calling. Keep him centered, and you’ll be okay in the end.”

With Coach Martin’s ties to the Washington-Wilkes community, it makes for a full circle moment. This community says they want to do all they can to help—-and that there’s a lot more to life than just football.