Local football teams may be bitter rivals on the field, but in recent weeks several schools and the community at large have come together to lift up Milton High School Coach Mike Scott and his family.

Scott was diagnosed about a month ago with Stage 4 cancer that started in the pancreatic biliary duct. At this point he is home from the hospital with his wife, Mary Jane, and two young children as the doctors have done all they can do.

While his family works to keep Scott comfortable, the community is working to make sure the family has little to no financial problems in the coming months by selling wristbands that say “Lift up Coach Scott,” donating funds and planning ongoing support opportunities.

“What’s been great is all the support from all the schools, not only in Fulton County but in Cherokee County and Forsyth County,” said Director of Football Operations Alisha Sylvestri. “Everybody’s jumping on board helping us sell wristbands, collecting donations, raffles.”

In addition to acting as the Milton Eagle’s offensive line coach, Scott taught weightlifting and health. He has been at the school for about six years and is well loved by students and faculty alike, Sylvestri said.

“Everybody knows him and loves him and so as soon as everybody heard [his diagnosis] they wanted to do whatever they could for him,” she said.

The Eagles have sold out of their first order of “Lift up Coach Scott” wristbands — about 2,600 total — and have already placed an order for 1,100 more. Sylvestri said other schools have been asking for more to sell and the Eagles have been allowed to sell them at games both at home and at other schools.

In addition to the wristbands, an online campaign through www.giveforward.com has raised more than $31,000 for the Scott family, far surpassing its $10,000 goal.

While the emotional and financial needs are apparent right now, Athletic Director Gary Sylvestri said they plan to support Scott’s family both now and long term.

Several fundraising opportunities are in the works for the coming months including a 5K bike/run and a possible Zumba class on the football field where all proceeds would go toward Mary Jane and their children.

Additionally, the Milton Football Touchdown Club, the Eagles’ support organization, is starting a scholarship fund for Mike and Mary Jane’s children who are ages 3 and 6. Once set up, a portion of the concession sales at home games will go toward the two children’s college education.

“It’s beyond football,” Gary Sylvestri said. “It’s beyond football and it’s beyond Mike. It’s beyond a coach. It’s a man and a father and a husband; a teacher, a brother, a friend, a son. That’s what it’s about.”

Information: To donate visit www.giveforward.com/miracleformike. For information about purchasing wristbands contact Alisha Sylvestri at agsylk9@aol.com.