GALVESTON -- Normally when it comes to football, the reception for visitors to Alvin High School is a sting, but nothing about this fall has been normal.

Instead on Friday night, Alvin rolled out the Texas red carpet for the opposing team to help them feel at home.  This is because for so many from Galveston, that’s what is missing.

"I don't have a home to go home to, but I am blessed. I'm blessed," said Theresa Dennis, Galveston resident.

In fact, it is a victory for Galveston Ball to be playing football at all this fall, and the people in Alvin know it.

"Texas hospitality is greater than Texas Football. I'm a football coach and that is hard to say on a Friday night, but it is all about helping your neighbors,” said Mike Bass, Alvin A.D.

The hospitality they are dishing out may look like a barbeque sandwich and chips, but it means much more than that.

"I think that it is a great community effort on their part. They are showing us love. I appreciate that," said Vertresa Meyers, Galveston resident.

"In times of adversity, people's compassion comes out and their hearts come out. You ask them for help and they come around and they help you," said Sandra Howell, Galveston A.D.

But the game is still the game, and a way for residents to escape from things until Galveston returns to normal.

"Now I hate that we are going to win, but whatever. We appreciate them," said Dennis.