VASSAR -- The 5-1 Vassar Vulcans have a number of motivating factors headed into their homecoming game on Friday against Unionville-Sebewaing.

But there is one above all others.

Vassar alum and former Vulcan football player Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, who lost parts of both arms and legs during his tour of duty in Afghanistan, will make his first trip home for the event since his injuries.

The Vassar football team, who can clinch a playoff spot with a win, said this will be a special game for the team, the coaches and the community.

“It means a lot with Travis coming back home,” senior quarterback Tanner Mackay said. “Football being one of his favorite sports--him coming home to watch one of our games is a big deal for us.”

Senior running back Nathan Greaves said the team can use the game as a platform to showcase their skills.

“We definiely wanna go out and show what we can do and show Travis what we can do,” Greaves said.  “We wanna show everybody around here what Vassar is all about and go out there and dominate on the field.”

The NBC25 Game of the Week will kick off at 7:00 pm. In four games with the Patriots, the Vulcans are undefeated.