Many Oregonians know the Ducks and Beavers square off Saturday on the gridiron. The two universities, though, finished a different competition Wednesday — the annual Civil War Blood Drive, where alumni, students and fans of both schools donated blood on behalf of Oregon State University or the University of Oregon.

The American Red Cross, Lane Memorial Blood Bank, OSU and the UO collaborated for the fourth straight year on the largest-known blood drive in the Northwest. Combined, 4,893 alumni, fans and students of both universities attended blood drives throughout Oregon between Nov. 1 to 16.

For the third consecutive year, OSU took home the Civil War Blood Drive trophy with 2,673 tallies. UO wasn’t far behind with 2,220.

Throughout December, blood donations typically dwindle as holiday events distract donors from their regular appointments. Every day, including holidays, Oregon’s blood banks supply thousands of life-saving blood transfusions around the clock.

Call 800-GIVE LIFE or see www.nwblood.redcross.org to schedule a donation or to sponsor a blood drive.