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Going Down: PIAA Boys Soccer Classification Reports signal drop in class for more than a dozen WPIAL schools

The enrollment numbers were submitted in the Fall, and on January 4, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) recently released its classification realignment by sport — including for boys and girls soccer.

In the WPIAL (PIAA’s District 7), there will be some significant movement at the top, as four boys soccer programs will be dropping down in class from 4A to 3A, and more dropping from 3A to 2A and from 2A to 1A.

The WPIAL now has the task to officially set up sections for each Boys and Girls classification, but we took a stab at this below too.

Here’s a closer look at how things should look in the WPIAL for boys soccer classifications in 2022-23 and 2023-24.  (Look for a separate post for Girls Soccer Classification Reports to come this weekend too).

PIAA BOYS SOCCER CLASSIFICATION REPORT TO IMPACT WPIAL SCHOOLS

Click here for the full PIAA 2022-23 and 2023-24 Classification Report for Boys Soccer

In the WPIAL, the biggest changes are going to come in the South Hills and Westmoreland Coutny as Peters Township, Bethel Park, Connellsville, Greater Latrobe Penn-Trafford are all designated to drop into 3A.  (Update:  Peters Township, along with Jeannette, have opted to move up in class for the next cycle)

Moon (458 boys) came awfully close to moving up to 4A, but they’ll remain in 3A for another cycle, while Shaler comes in right above the treshold, thus will remain at the 4A level too.

This will make for what remains very crowded field in 3A and 2A,,while 4A is now down to 17 schools (likely two eight team sections?).

Keep in mind, there could continue to be a few potential Co-op’s between schools and some other schools could opt not to field boys soccer teams, therefore the numbers below may be condensed a tad.

Here are the enrollment parameters for each classification plus total number of WPIAL schools heading into 2022-23

  • Class 4A:
    • Enrollment parameters: 465 & up
    • 16 WPIAL/PPS schools
  • Class 3A:
    • Enrollment parameters: 264-464
    • 31 WPIAL/PPS schools
  • Class 2A:
    • Enrollment parameters: 157-265
    • 33 WPIAL schools:
  • Class 1A:
    • Enrollment parameters: 1-156
    • 26 WPIAL schools

 


PSN’s Projected Section Realignment for 2022-23 & 2023-24

Class 4A (17 schools)

Defending champion: Seneca Valley

Opted to stay up in Classification +

SECTION 1:  Allderdice, Butler, Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine-Richland, Seneca Valley, Shaler 

SECTION 2:  Baldwin, Brashear, Central Catholic, Canon-McMillan, Hempfield, Mt. Lebanon, Norwin, Peters Twp +, Upper St. Clair

Editors Note: In 4A, WPIAL should probably opt for an eight-team playoff format with the top four teams in each eight-team section qualifying for the playoffs.

Class 3A (31 schools)

Defending champion: Hampton

Moved Down from 4A >  |  Moved Up from 2A ^ 

SECTION 1:  Armstrong, Hampton, Highlands, Indiana, Kiski Area, Mars, North Catholic ^, Obama Academy 

SECTION 2:  Ambridge ^, Blackhawk, Central Valley, Moon, West Allegheny, Montour, Chartiers Valley,  South Fayette

SECTION 3:  Albert Gallatin, , Bethel Park >, Ringgold,  Trinity, , Thomas Jefferson, Uniontown, Washington (C) 

SECTION 4:   Franklin Regional, Gateway, Connellsville,> Penn-Trafford >, Latrobe >, Laurel Highlands, Penn Hills, Plum

*McKeesport did not compete in Section play in 2021; are included on the list of schools that fall into 3A standing.

Class 2A (33 schools)

Defending champion: Quaker Valley

Moved Down from 3A >  |  Moved Up from 1A ^ | Opted to play up in Classification + 

SECTION 1:  East Allegheny, Elizabeth Forward, Ligonier Valley, South Allegheny, South Park, Steel Valley, West Mifflin > , Woodland Hills > 

SECTION 2:  Deer Lakes, Derry,  Freeport >, Jeannette +, Knoch >, Leechberg (c), Shady Side Academy, Valley 

SECTION 3:  Belle Vernon >, Brownsville, Greensburg Salem >, McGuffey,  Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland, Waynesburg, Yough

SECTION 4:  Avonworth,  Beaver Area >, Elwood City, Hopewell, Keystone Oaks, Mohawk, Quaker Valley, Riverside ^, (New Brighton *)  

* Note: New Brighton did not have a team for 2021 season

 

Class 1A (27 schools)

Defending champion: Winchester Thurston

Moved Down from 2A >

SECTION 1: Beaver County Christian, Freedom >, Neshannock, Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Sewickley Academy, South Side Beaver

SECTION 2:  Burrell >, Geibel Catholic, Greensburg Central Catholic, Serra, St. Joseph, Trinity Christian

SECTION 3:  Aquinas Academy, Bishop Canevin, Carlynton, Eden Christian, Riverview, Springdale, Winchester Thurston 

SECTION 4:  Bentworth, Beth-Center, Brentwood, California (c), Charleroi >, Chartiers-Houston, Seton-LaSalle

* Monessen played in 2021 as a co-op with California). Also noted that two additional schools (Vicentian & Quigley Catholic) in 1A which fielded teams during last classification report are no longer open.

 

Click to access Boys_Soccer_22_24.pdf

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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