Dover-New Philadelphia meet for 121st time in storied rivalry

(Mitch Spinell)

By Gene Simmons

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH- It will be the 121st meeting between these two storied programs dating back to 1896 with Dover leading the all-time series 59-52-9.

Friday both teams will take the field inside of New Philadelphia's Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium with a few scenarios on the line.

#ThrowbackThursday

GO DOVER! 🌪️🏈
BEAT PHILA! pic.twitter.com/JBefquVaCj

— Dover Football 🌪️ (@DoverOHFootball) October 24, 2024

Dover will come in sporting a 7-2 record only being defeated by Indian Valley and Steubenville, two undefeated teams coming into week 10 of season, coincidentally both loses were back to back for Dover, and have not lost since.

With a win Dover could lock up a spot in the top 8 of rankings and ensure home field advantage, somewhat controlling their own destiny. 

Dover is coached by long tenured head man Dan Ifft.

"We're excited about the opportunity to play in such a great rivalry and such a great game for a high school kid my goodness," Ifft said to the Times Reporter.

For New Philadelphia they also will be in control of their own destiny sitting at 6-3 and possibly getting to host in the postseason in a tight region 11 where they are positioned in Division III.

New Philadelphia is coached by Mike Johnson.

No. 121 is only a day away! Here’s a look at the all-time series. Let’s go Quakers! #GoQuakers #BrickByBrick #BEATdover. https://t.co/PEhAYpxpxU

— NP Quaker Football (@PhilaFootball) October 24, 2024

"We're ready to go," said Johnson to the Times Reporter.  

No league titles are at stake for these programs this 2024 year, Steubenville will likely win OVAC class 5A conference and  Ashland in the OCC.

Friday Night Lights couldn't get any brighter for these two programs as both will be playing primarily for playoff positioning.

WTUZ Big Z Sports will have the call!!