The award was approved earlier this month by the Wood-Ridge Board of Education, which hosts this year's game.

"We knew that this particular child needed testing and that there were hardships," said Wood-Ridge schools Superintendent Elaine Guigliano. "When this was presented to the board, we felt we wanted to do something about it."

In April, doctors diagnosed a scar on the back of Addyson's head as congenital melanocytic nevus, a condition that could lead to neurological problems, seizures, cancer and possible death if not treated, her father said.

Since then, Nicholas, 26, and Carolyn, 25, have made numerous trips to New York University Medical Center for treatment and an operation for their daughter.

"I was terrified," said Carolyn, a bank teller, who is pregnant with twins. "There's a big burden to know that we have to come up with all this money."

Hospital and doctor bills have cost the family $16,000 more than what insurance pays, and additional operations and treatments could soar to as much as $100,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, she said.

To cope, the young couple has relied on family, friends and the tight-knit community. Two motorcycle groups have held fund-raisers at restaurants, and a friend has set up a Web site to seek donations.

Nicholas, a truck driver who once played for his father on the Hasbrouck Heights football team, and Carolyn, who attended Wood-Ridge High School, are using their communities' bitter rivalry to form a bond.

Little Addyson Mae, an energetic baby who took her first steps chasing a ball, could be the bragging rights of both teams — no matter who wins.

About 1,000 people are expected at the 10 a.m. game at Donna Ricker Field at the high school, about twice the normal attendance. Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for students and senior citizens.

At Hasbrouck Heights, several student clubs have started on-campus fund-raisers for Addyson. At Wood-Ridge, students have learned a lesson about life.

"We explained what it means and that the money will be donated," said Tom Valanzola, the Wood-Ridge athletic director after attending Wednesday's pep rally. "The student body was receptive, even though it's a big rivalry game."