Loveland vs. Milford is a fierce rivalry, but this Friday night, football wasn't the focus.
Friday's game was hosted by Milford, yet the focus was on a 1997 Loveland graduate.
Fans and players paid tribute to former Loveland football player and Marine Captain David “Seth” Mitchell, who died Monday when two helicopters collided in Afghanistan.
Considering Mitchell played football for Loveland, what better time or place to pay tribute than on the field during a Friday night game.
It was not something you usually hear during a big Friday night game – silence – as everyone took a moment to honor Mitchell.
"I'm honored to be his friend. I'm proud to be here for him in his honor. But I'm also very sad,” said Mollie Emerick, a friend.
"They offered, whatever we wanted to do. They were real hospitable about it and anything they could do,” said Kevin Taylor, Mitchell’s former coach. “You know, as Americans, we're all in this together."
Every player on Loveland's team played with a Marine Corp sticker on their helmet.
The number “30” represents Mitchell's high school number.
"He would be humbled and embarrassed by everyone talking about him, and all the things people are saying,” said Erica Miller, a friend. “He was just a very shy and modest guy. And he was just the best guy you would ever want to know."
"He would definitely not feel like this was necessary,” said Emerick. “And he would be like, ‘Why are you guys doing this for me?’ You couldn't tell him he was cute or he would get red in the face and giggle like a little school girl."
Mitchell's family now lives in North Carolina, but friends say they're well aware of what's happening here in the Tri-State.
"We're trying to keep them in touch of what we're doing here,” said Emerick. “And we're making a video of this tonight since they couldn't be here to take to them to the funeral."
Mitchell's funeral will be in North Carolina where his family now lives. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
