Taking in the game from the sidelines, Scannell’s brother, James, Baldwin’s assistant superintendent for instruction, mentioned that many of the team’s players were also using football as an escape. “Some of these kids aren’t living in their own homes,” Scannell said. “So this has been wonderful. It’s given them something to focus on.” He pointed out that some of the players lost their uniforms to the storm, and that Athletic Director Ed Ramirez and Ed Cullen, the district’s assistant superintendent for business and administrative services, had worked hard to find replacements.

The idea that inspiration was flowing both ways — that while the town was living for the team, the team was playing for the town — was underscored by two 11th-grade team managers, Cayllie Compres and Arielle Rosa. “Some of them aren’t even living at home since the storm, so this is definitely helpful as a distraction,” said Rosa, who wore eye black patches as she passed out water to players on the sidelines.

Compres said, “I think the town has been inspired by them, but they’re also using the town as motivation. I think they’re inspired too.”

Years from now, Bruins players who played in last Friday’s game might fall into the trap of recalling a loss. That wouldn’t be an accurate description of this season’s final chapter. The players shouldn’t only remember that they played hard and lost in a final to Farmingdale. They should also remember that they played hard and won several games at a time when many of their neighbors needed them most. That is a victory greater than any trophy could signify.