Community traditions to highlight Dover-Phila Week rivalry

A full lineup of community traditions will mark Dover-Phila Week 2025, leading up to the annual rivalry football game.

The week kicks off Saturday, Oct. 18, with the Rotary Sportsmanship Banquet at Buckeye Career Center. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Students will begin hall decorating Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 2:45 to 9 p.m. in the Dover High School commons and hallways.

Preparations continue Thursday, Oct. 23, with bonfire building throughout the day at Crater Stadium. The Dover High School cafeteria will host a spaghetti dinner beginning at 4 p.m., with tickets available at the door.

That evening, the parade will step off around 6:30 p.m. from Tornado Alley. The lineup will feature a police cruiser, the marching band, teams and cheerleaders riding on trucks, followed by additional cruisers. A community pep rally inside Crater Stadium will begin around 7 p.m., with seating limited to the home side. The Dover High School PTG will sell kettle corn, hot chocolate, coffee, water and beads during the rally. The bonfire will take place outside the stadium immediately afterward.

On Friday, Oct. 24, Dover High School will follow a regular bell schedule. A student pep rally, not open to the public, will be held from 1:35 to 2:35 p.m. The week concludes with the Dover-Phila football game at 7 p.m. at Crater Stadium. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for both students and adults.

Monday: “Baggy Shorts, Big Heart” – Dress as your favorite Adam Sandler character

Tuesday: “Twinning and Winning” – Partner up as a dynamic duo or matching theme

Wednesday: “Tornado Country” – Show country pride (Western, camo)

Thursday: “Our Spirit Lasts All Year Long” – Holiday sweaters, pumpkin spice, patriotic colors, or any seasonal theme

Friday: “Dover Pride, City Wide” – Crimson and Gray during the day, White Out for game time

(middle school and elementary schools may have different dress-up days)