Today is the deadline for schools around Pennsylvania to notify the PIAA if they plan to play "up" in classification in any sport next year. There are some interesting choices of a few schools in WPIAL football.
Classifications are made by the PIAA and based on enrollments of students currently in grades 9-11. Schools can play "up" in class if they choose. But they can not play "down."
*** Clairton has decided to stay in Class A football and not play up. Clairton has the second-smallest boys enrollment among all WPIAL football teams. Only Avella has a smaller enrollment. Clairton thought about possibly playing in Class AA, but the school decided to remain in Class A.
Clairton has won eight WPIAL Class A championships in 10 seasons (picture is from Post-Gazette's Matt Freed after Clairton won WPIAL a few weeks ago). Other Class A teams next season will be Jeannette and Greensburg Central Catholic.
*** Woodland Hills will remain in 5A. Since Woodland Hills opened in 1987, it has always played in the WPIAL's largest classification (AAAA). But the school's enrollment places the Wolverines in 5A next year.
*** Aliquippa's enrollment would put the Quips in Class A next season, but the school has decided to play 3A in football. Other 3A football teams near Aliquippa will be Beaver, Central Valley, Beaver Falls, Ellwood City, Hopewell and Quaker Valley.
Also, Aliquippa would be 2A in basketball, but has elected to play "up" in 3A.
On Thursday, the PIAA will release all schools that elect to play "up."