The Jamestown football team has been sporting “JL 17” stickers on their helmets to support Johnny LaMancuso, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Photo courtesy of Tom Langworthy

The Jamestown football team is in the midst of a five-game winning streak heading into Friday night’s Section VI Class AA championship game against Bennett at Highmark Stadium.

You could call it coincidence if you’d like, but the Red & Green’s success in the last few weeks follows nearly the same timeline as when they added “JL 17” stickers on the back of their helmets to honor Johnny LaMancuso, one of their biggest fans.

Johnny, the son of John and Gillian of Jamestown, has been undergoing cancer treatment, and Red & Green head coach Tom Langworthy wanted to do something to provide a pick-me-up for the Josh Allen-loving, Jamestown football fanatic.

“Many of us know the LaMancuso family, and John (Jamestown Class of 2004) played quarterback here for Coach (Wally) Huckno,” Langworthy said Tuesday night after practice in the Jefferson Middle School gym. “This summer I coached Johnny in the flag football league at Southwestern (Central School). I enjoyed meeting him and having him play on the team. He did a good job, he played outside linebacker and ran the ball a little bit for us.”

While the flag football season ended months ago, Johnny hasn’t been far from the thoughts of the high school program.

“Everybody is pulling for him, and I’ve been keeping up with him on Facebook,” Langworthy said. ” … I thought we should do something … so he knows we’re supporting him. I called down to Three Sixty Graphics and told them the idea and they took care of the cost on it, and our guys put them on our helmets.”

Langworthy and his staff have the same decals on their game-day caps, too, in an effort to bring Johnny “a little bit of encouragement and strength during a difficult time.”

The LaMancusos have appreciated the show of support by the team.

Wrote John, the father, on his Facebook wall: “Thank you so much, Coach, and the whole Red & Green Football Family!!!”