Although highly unusual for a football rivalry, two opposing high schools are color coordinating for this Friday’s game.

The football field is typically reserved for competition, especially in Ohio. However, when Goshen and Bethel-Tate play each other, the competition will be overshadowed by a common cause and a community coming together in support of one another.

Last Saturday, 13-year-old Tommy Simpkins was struck by a vehicle while assisting his family with a yard sale. The Goshen middle schooler and football player was immediately transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He remains there with serious injuries.

The local community immediately sprang into action once word of the accident spread. A resident of Goshen, Crystal Beckstedt, began a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the cost of his medical bills. As of publication, the campaign has raised more than $7,000 towards it $10,000 goal.

The following day after the accident, Goshen high school student Taylor Webster started selling t-shirts to support the cause. The very same day, a prayer ceremony was held on the Goshen football field and the hashtag #PrayforTommy began spreading on social media.

The overwhelming enthusiasm to help out a neighbor in need is not surprising, even in the small and sleepy town of Goshen.

“Goshen's not a big town. There's a lot of kind and loving people who want to support this young man and his family. They've come out in droves to do that,” said Goshen superintendent Darrell Edwards to Cincinnati.com.

The traditional football rivalry between the two schools took an unexpected turn and assumed the mantel for young Tommy.

When Bethel-Tate athletic director Matt Koenigheard of the tragic accident, he immediately began brainstorming ways that his community could offer assistance to Tommy, his family and the Goshen community.

Previously, Friday’s game was slated to be a ‘Black Out’ in regards to clothing for Bethel-Tate supporters.  Upon hearing that Goshen will wear purple in support of Tommy, which is Tommy’s favorite color, Koenig immediately sent out word via social media that the ‘Black Out’ was changed to a ‘Purple Out’:

Sorry for the typo earlier. Revised. Change of theme for Friday's game to PURPLE OUT.. Please share @BTHStigers pic.twitter.com/cDnPkpB118

— Bethel-Tate Sports (@bethelTsports) September 7, 2016

Koenig clarified his decision further to Cincinnati.com.

"Life becomes a little more important than sports…I decided we could embrace what they're all going through,” he said. “Obviously there's competition on the field, but the sportsmanship you can show another community is just as important."

Even under the most trying circumstances, football can bring communities together.