So since it is really not NFL football anyway (quarters end like halves, etc?- what?) and nobody even tries- here is my suggestion.

Make it a skills and or a 7-7 or a flag game or something. Just for showboating, celebrating those that went, etc. Make it a great trip, still. Make it about the players who were honored,etc., but do not pretend it is an NFL game. Let the players ham it up, trash talk each other, etc.