A community has teamed up to help a Wellsville boy battle cancer--not once, but twice.

Thursday night, the junior high football team, the Wellsville Tigers, suited up to honor its former teammate.

It was an entrance fit for a king, as fire trucks and police cruisers escorted the guest of honor, 14-year-old Mathugh Johnston into the game.

"What was it like riding in today?," asked NEWS9's Natalie Pasquarella. "Really fun," Mathugh said.

The eighth-grader was diagnosed with bone cancer three years ago, went to chemotherapy, and then was happy to hear he was in remission.

But this past August, Mathugh was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia and is starting all over again.

“I've been getting chemo,” said Mathugh. “And I went to ICU and stayed in the hospital 33 days."

Mathugh’s parents said it's been rough but that folks in town give them hope, as they've been holding fundraisers to help pay for their son’s treatments.

“When Matt was diagnosed the first time, the town just went all out for us,” said Dewey Johnston, Mathugh’s father. “And the second time he was diagnosed, they've done the same thing. I’m just so proud to live here, in this town.”

“All the prayers, all the support; things like this keep us strong and keep us going,” said Julie Johnston, Mathugh’s mother.

The football game was dedicated to Mathugh.

This is the first year he can't play on the team, but the players are wearing his number, 58, to show their support.

“I wish I was out there,” said Mathugh. “I love the game. I hope we win."

Contributions can be sent to: The Mathugh Johnston Fund, c/o Central Federal Bank, 601 Main St., Wellsville, OH 43968.

Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9