MISSOULA -- Plenty of folks have come to the aid of Huntley Project High School, which was destroyed by arson in mid-September.

Money has rolled in from around Montana, but none came with quite the delicious sense of irony that accompanied $700 sent to the school by Missoula's Loyola Sacred Heart High School.

That money grew from an idea first voiced by Loyola's Joe Mitzel, the football team's star running back.

"We were in senior theology class and got to talking about the fire," said Mitzel. "They're No. 1 in the state and we were talking about how we hoped the fire wouldn't affect their season."

Then Mitzel, fellow teammates, cheerleaders and other students seized on the idea of raising money for Huntley Project, an eastern Montana school that serves students from Worden, Ballantine, Huntley and Pompeys Pillar.

Loyola principal Jerermy Beck gave them the OK, and what amounted to a passing of the hat took place at the next football game. The hat netted $700.

"We were all pretty excited by that, and it felt good to do something for them," said Mitzel.

Now, fast forward to mid-November. The Rams are undefeated. So is Huntley Project. Both are in the Class B semifinals, Loyola playing Fairfield on Friday and Huntley Project squaring off against Eureka on Saturday.

One more victory for each and the school damaged by fire will play the school that came to its aid.

"That's pretty neat, don't you think?" said Mitzel.

Tynie Mader, principal of Huntley Project, thinks so, too.

"These are just great kids, all of them," said Mader. "I know if there's a game, the competition will be intense and they'll be hitting each other hard. But before and after the games, these are just good kids that we're raising in Montana."

Mader said that shortly after the fire, a girls' volleyball game saw the visitors bring gifts.

"They wore our school colors on ribbons in their hair," said Mader. "This has happened with kids from all over the state. Billings elementary school kids raised $8,000 for us. Ekalaka gave us desks. It just goes on and on."

And that touches the heart of the potential enemy-for-a-day.

"Your heart goes out to them," said Mitzel. "That would be so hard, to lose your school. I'm glad we were able to make a goodwill gesture."

Still, Mitzel hopes more than anything that the Rams meet the Red Devils on the football field next week.

"They're the team to beat, and we just hope we get the chance," he said.

Part of Loyola's hopes are riding on Mitzel, who tore the ACL in his right knee a month ago but played nonetheless in the Rams' quarterfinal win over Baker.

He rushed for more than 100 yards and scored a touchdown, but Mitzel also reaggravated his knee injury near the end of the game.

The adults in his life --doctor, parents, coaches -- have advised him against playing against Fairfield.

"But they've also been, like, 'Well, I don't think you should play, but I'll be behind you if you do,' " Mitzel said. "My parents are totally behind whatever choice gets made."

Choices like that to play or not to play are tough. Do you risk more serious injury for another chance at high school glory?

Other choices, like reaching out to a school and students in distress, are a whole lot easier.

"To me, helping Huntley Project just seemed like a no-brainer," said Mitzel. "It's amazing that we might be playing them for the championship, and I'm glad we had the chance to help them."

So is Mader.

"At the end of the day, it's not about what color letter jacket you wear," she said, "it's what sort of person you are."

Reporter Michael Moore: 523-5252 or mmoore@missoulian.com