Video: Toughest schedules in high school footballIMG Academy, Miami Central and Mater Dei have lined up grueling slates.The NCAA's new December signing period is creating major challenges for one of high school football's premier showcase events.
The Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown was expecting to celebrate its 20th year next month with the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium serving as the centerpiece site.
But as
WCPO detailed, August is now a NCAA dead period, making Nippert off-limits to host a high school game.
Teams from Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky in addition to Ohio were expected to participate in the 2017 Showdown, scheduled to run from Aug. 18 to Sept. 8 at various sites.
Defending state champions
Beechwood (Fort Mitchell, Ky.),
La Salle (Cincinnati) and
St. Xavier (Cincinnati) are among the headliners. Other teams of interest include perennial powers
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati),
Colerain (Cincinnati) and
Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale, Ill.).
According to its website, the Showdown has featured teams from nine different states over the years with more than 20 former participants going on to the NFL.
Regular Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown participant St. Xavier takes the field at Nippert Stadium in 2015.
Photo by: Wayne Litmer
University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium.
Photo by: Wayne Litmer
