NEPS action concludes: Day 3

FORT WORTH, Texas — Following a cold Thursday and rainy Friday, players at the National Elite Prep Showcase faced a near 80-degree temperatures Saturday with sun beating down on their already tired legs. It’s a grueling event with most teams playing four full matches in a 48-hour window. - See more CLICK HERE

NEPS Day 2: Highlights, top performers

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — There’s a new player in town with names that conjure up memories of Dallas’ storied girls soccer past. After two days at the National Elite Prep Showcase in the Fort Worth-Southlake area of Texas, only three of the 33 participating teams are 3-0, and one of those is Bishop Lynch (Dallas, Texas). - See more CLICK HERE

DAY 2... NEPS Weather/Lightning Delay Policy (Friday, Jan. 10th)

Due to the volume of games being played tomorrow (Friday, January 10th), along with the possible weather forecast of thunderstorms through the day, all NEPS games will follow the following protocol in the event of lightning delays.  (Games will be played through rain showers).  

All games must finish within their allotted time slot. An allotted time slot means kick-off time until five (5) minutes before the next scheduled kick-off.  The allotted time slots are:

Slot 1: 8:00 – 9:55
Slot 2: 10:00 – 11:55
Slot 3: 12:00 – 1:55
Slot 4: 2:00 – 3:55
Slot 5: 4:00 – 5:55
Slot 6: 6:00 - 7:55
Slot 7: 8:00 - 9:00

If there are lightning delays: 

One single air horn means clear the fields. If you hear the single air horn sound, you must clear the fields for 30 minutes.  When the air horn sounds for three consecutive times, it means all teams should re-take the fields, immediately.

If a lightning delay occurs during a game:

In the event of lightning delays, all games must be finished 5 minutes prior to the next game slot. 
If, due to a lightning delay a game does not resume during the game slot, or is not completed by the end of this time slot, the following procedures will be in place:

If the game is in the second half, the game will be considered complete and over. 

If the game is in the first half, the game is null and will not count in NEPS results.

If a game is suspended due to a lightening delay in the first half and resumes within the allotted time slot:

Play will resume where the game left off. With that understanding, halftime will be reduced to five minutes and as much of the second half should be played within the remaining time slot.    Warm up time will be at the referees discretion (who may consult with the coaches).

If a lightning delay extends into the next time slot, the next game will begin as soon as possible.  Half time will be reduced to five minutes and as much of the second half should be played within the remaining time slot. 

We are hoping this protocol will minimize the number of games affected by possible lightening delays.  If we alter the schedule, and continue to delay games throughout the day, the impact will be much more significant.  

NEPS Day 1: Highlights

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Allie Rogosheske admitted there were a few nerves Thursday night before Plano West (Plano, Texas) took the field for its season opening match at the National Elite Prep Showcase. And for good reason. - See more CLICK HERE

NEPS: The most important event this winter

In the hierarchy of high school soccer events for the winter season, none rank as nationally important as the National Elite Prep Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas. This year’s 33-team event kicks off Thursday at five sites in the DFW area, and includes ranked teams from California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Ten teams currently in the StudentSports.com FAB 50, along with five others that have been or are on the verge of a ranking, are competing in the event.  CLICK HERE for More

NEPS pairings set, national powers to clash

Although the National Elite Prep Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as a season kickoff event for Texas public schools, it might play a significant role in determining which team finishes No. 1 in the winter rankings come April. - CLICK HERE for More

HISTORY: Two of the last three FAB 50 national champs earned their ranking with strong showings at NEPS. Three seasons ago, St. Thomas Aquinas went 3-1 and coupled with that season’s surprises in California and Texas, topped what was then know as the POWERADE FAB 50. Last season, Plano West went 4-0 at NEPS and that jumpstarted an undefeated state title run, which earned the Wolves the national No. 1 ranking.

FINAL MATCH-UPs and SCHEDULE POSTED

Here is the FINAL Schedule and Match-Ups for the 2014 National Elite Prep Showcase.