As the heads of their respective towns, each would like nothing more than to boast bragging rights that their team triumphantly prevails on the gridiron.

But, as both mayors would surely attest, Friday’s Northern Lehigh-Palmerton football clash is about much more than the final outcome on the scoreboard.

Along with the game itself, the communities will join forces for a spirited canned food drive, as each item collected will go to a food pantry in Palmerton or the Northern Lehigh area.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Palmerton, with canned goods welcome at the gate. Non-perishable, non-expired goods will be collected for the entire week.

Palmerton Mayor Don Herrmann noted that in the past, he’d made wagers with the mayor of Jim Thorpe.

This time around, Herrmann said he turned to Slatington Mayor Jeralyn Schoch.

“I knew Jeralyn, and there’s the local rivalry,” Herrmann said. “Last year, we had it at Jim Thorpe, there was a good turnout.”

Much like last year when his team earned a win over Jim Thorpe, Herrmann said he’s hopeful for a similar result this time around.

“Hopefully, it’s the same (outcome) for Palmerton, a win,” he said. “It’s something (where) we can get together, and (collecting canned goods for) the food banks is a good thing.”

So what’s at stake if his home team comes up short?

“If Palmerton loses, I’ll be sure to talk up Northern Lehigh,” Herrmann said. “It’s fun to do stuff, good banter, it’s for a good cause.”

Herrmann said donations can be brought to football practices all week and given to the coach. In addition, he said a bin is set up on his porch for anyone who can’t make it to the game, or can be brought with to the game.

Schoch said donations may be dropped off at Slatington Borough Hall and at the Slatington Borough Police Station, as well as at her house.

“I think it’s a good thing to do for the community,” Schoch said. “The holidays are coming, (the residents) can always use help; people are struggling paying the bills.”

Much like her counterpart, Schoch said she’s hopeful for a victory for the community in which she represents.

“Hopefully a win for Northern Lehigh,” she said. “I’m very community-oriented, plan events; it gets people together.”

Northern Lehigh enters the game 3-1, while Palmerton is in search of its first win after starting the season 0-4.