The fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hopes to double what it raised from last years successful alumni game.

Last year's Battle for the Bridge football game between West Linn and Oregon City alumni was such a resounding success, raising more than $18,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, that organizers have upped the ante this year.

This year, the game hopes to raise $40,000 to help the foundation along with Katie's Kause, another charitable organization that helps local family members dealing with medical hardships.

Last year's inaugural contest was the brainchild of Trent Tribou whose friend, Ian Giammanco, had a daughter, Sophia, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Sophia is now 5 years old and anxiously awaiting starting kindergarten in the fall.

“She's doing really well. She has her checkups every three months, but she's been great,” Ian said.

Last year's game received a large turnout by both fans and players and this year's is expected to be even better.

With a few weeks remaining before the game on Aug. 11, West Linn's roster has just a handful of open spots available.

Once again, a wide variety of players have come out for the team this year with their graduating classes ranging from 1980 to 2011.

The West Linn coaching staff is also impressive, featuring plenty of experience including former varsity head coach Ron Chappell.

Also playing for West Linn this year is 2001 graduate David Kote, a former varsity baseball player who has cystic fibrosis.

“When I was born, the life expectancy for someone with CF was 19 and since then it has doubled to over 38. I'm fortunate enough to be a CF patient who is healthy enough to play in a game like this,” Kote said.

Kote heard about the benefit shortly after the inaugural game last summer and quickly reached out to Ian Giammanco on Facebook, expressing his interest to get involved.

“We sat down and started thinking about things we could improve on,” Kote said.

Kote has helped get the word out on this year's event, going on local radio to promote the game and also reaching out to Portland Timbers goalie Joe Bendik.

Bendik has been active in events to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis in support of his 8-year-old nephew, Gavin.

He was recently given Major League Soccers' Humanitarian award for the month of July.

“I try to show up and support as many events like this as possible. Dave sent me a message and that was all it took,” Bendik said.

Bendik will be at this year's game signing autographs and will be raffling off Timbers gear as well.

While the game will be a success no matter the outcome, with all proceeds going to support a good cause, the West Linn players have a chip on their shoulder this year.

West Linn's alumni team lost to Oregon City last year, which has given the Lion grads a renewed intensity.

“We have a really good group of guys this year. I think we're ahead of where we were last summer,” Ian Giammanco said.

Both teams have been conducting practices, rounding into game shape leading up to the event.

This year's game will be held at the old Oregon City High School field at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the gate. Donations can also be made directly through battleforthebridge.com. More information can be found on the Facebook page facebook.com/battleforthebridge.

Both Li'l Cooperstown locations in West Linn and Oregon City will also be donating a percentage of their profits to the foundation after the game.