Jan 2, 2015 4 min read

Could the merger of Ford City and Kittanning bring about a drastic change in WPIAL football? Though rumors are swirling that the PIAA is considering a switch to six classifications, that does not address enrollment dropping at certain districts.

Is it possible that more districts will merge to help combat low numbers?

That could be a distinct possibility with smaller schools, including Avella, West Greene and Fort Cherry. Each has battled decreased enrollment and with state funding dropping over recent years, some schools may be forced to make the move.

Is it a good thing? I tend to air on the side of caution. Schools such as Avella and Fort Cherry have a long history that dates back to the early 20th century. Though the Eagles have fallen on tough times with a roster sitting at 20-25 players, they have reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Can Avella and other small schools such as Wilkinsburg survive in WPIAL football? Only time will tell, but the change at Ford City/Kittanning got me thinking about what mergers would be possible or intriguing.

I started mapping out a few possibilities that are far-fetched.

Avella /Burgettstown

This is one that has been discussed over the last several years. The Eagles already co-op with Burgettstown in other sports and that could make a merger possible.

Enrollment would not spike too much and it would be an interesting twist. With the history of Avella football and the resurgance led by Ryan Cecchini, I don’t see this one happening.

I have also heard Fort Cherry as a possible merger with Avella, but I’ll get to the Rangers next.

Fort Cherry/South Fayette

This is a very realistic option, but Fort Cherry is a school with a lot of history and is not struggling with numbers like Avella. There would be a great deal of opposition to a merger, but with South Fayette’s district booming and the districts as close as they are, wouldn’t it be a perfect marriage?

The move would likely bump South Fayette into Quad-A – something that would certainly be considered before a move is made. The Lions are destined to move up to AAA after the 2015 season, but the district is only getting bigger.

Again, I don’t see it happening.

West Green/Waynesburg

This one may be the most realistic option. Though the schools are almost 10 miles apart, it’s a short drive and would seem to be a perfect match.

West Greene is struggling with numbers in many sports, while Waynesburg could use a boost. The Raiders would move to AAA in football, but with Russ Moore leading the program and more athletes at his disposal, it would create a perennial contender.

Common sense don’t ditate mergers. There is a lot that goes into it, but this is a situation that should be considered for a co-op. I do hope that Paul Kreuzer gets another crack at the WG job, but instead of looking for a new coach to solve the numbers issue, why not call Moore to talk about a co-op?

It’s an idea that should be talked about. It makes more sense than letting Kreuzer walk.

Jefferson-Morgan/Carmichaels

This will never happen. Both have a long history, but wouldn’t it be a great story? This is another situation where the two schools have a co-op and the kids know each other very well.

The one thing to monitor is the booming gas industry surrounding Southwestern Pennsylvania. Enrollment will grow at certain districts and numbers have not been an issue at either school.

If a merger or co-op happens with these two, it would create one of the better Class A/AA teams in the WPIAL. Picture these two not having to worry about depth every year? People ask me why Beth-Center is the class of the Tri-County South and that’s the one thing I point to. B-C has depth at almost every position, plus stability at head coach.

Trinity/Washington

This one made me laugh, but think about it. Washington’s enrollment continues to go down and the districts are so close together that students could go to either school without anyone asking questions.

Again, it will never happen. There is too much history at both schools for this to ever be considered. Someone could bring up McGuffey as a possible merger, but Claysville is growing steadily.

The Trinity/Wash High rivalry is too good to throw away.