Dover and New Philadelphia to compete in annual Blood Battle Oct. 22

The rivalry between the Dover Tornadoes and the New Philadelphia Quakers is spilling off the football field this fall as the schools face off in the 28th Annual Dover vs. New Philadelphia Blood Battle.

The blood drive will take place Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Tuscarawas County YMCA in Dover from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The friendly competition comes as blood supplies remain critically low nationwide. Each donation, organizers said, has the potential to save up to three lives.

Appointments are recommended at www.vitalant.org/wjerbloodbattle. Walk-ins will be accepted, though wait times may vary. All donors will receive an event T-shirt and be entered for prize drawings. Participation is open to the entire community, not just Tornado or Quaker fans.

Donors must be at least 16 years old, and anyone younger than 18 must bring a completed and signed parental consent form.

The Blood Battle is held in the days leading up to the 122nd football game between Dover and New Philadelphia, set for Friday, Oct. 24 at Crater Stadium in Dover. Last year the Tornadoes won the blood drive competition, extending their lead in the all-time series to 16 wins. The Quakers have 10 wins, and there has been one tie. The winner of this year’s Blood Battle will be announced during Friday night’s game.