NCAA Division II Championship Game

Each December for the past 22 years, the nation has focused its attention on the Shoals for the crowning of a national championship. That’s when the NCAA Division II football champion is crowned.

The game is televised live on ESPN, giving the area national exposure while also bringing notoriety to the participating teams. Also bringing national media attention to Division II and the Shoals is the crowning of the Harlon Hill Trophy winner each year, which is the equivalent to the Heisman Trophy and goes to the best football player in Division II.

Many of the championship games have been thrillers that have been decided in the final seconds of regulation or in overtime.

The game and trophy presentation are just part of championship week in the Shoals. The teams usually arrive on Thursday prior to the game and are treated like kings during their stay. They receive police escorts to the various activities and to practice.