In the last 20 - 25 years, private schools in PA have upgraded their football programs. At the same time public schools in the PIAA and, specifically District One, have watered down their programs. Private schools are aggressively selling their programs. Not just the PCL but the Interac league, Mid-Atlantic Prep league and PA Independent Athletic Association.
I spoke to an AD at a private school 20 years ago who told me they start selling their kids to colleges at the end of 10th grade. Public school ADs do nothing, they are overpaid, have assistants who do the scheduling, and then the AD collects the paycheck.
There was a time when District One schools took on all comers. At one time, C.B. East played Lasalle & Holycross of NJ and beat them both. C.B. West played PCL schools, mid-state schools , Lehigh Valley schools, etc. Downingtown played Malvern Prep, Salisiumiun, Ryan (when they were good). Today District One is satisfied with having a 16-team playoff and the winner qualifies for the state semifinal and the winner could not beat 10 teams in the PCL, Interac or Mid Atlantic prep league. Downingtown East was a semifinalist this year in District One and got beat by Toms River North 30 to 2.
There are about 500 schools playing football in the PIAA, but the PIAA is ruled by the 450 bottom feeders.
Here is the solution: let players transfer between schools especially districts with more than 1 high school. Bethlehem, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Downingtown. Better teams and competition between public schools.
Even in HS today sports is about money. Coaches are underpaid, head coach should be paid between $25-$30,000 and first assistant $10-$15,000. ADs are overpaid. If they cannot get kids into FBS, FCS schools they should be replaced.
50-60 years ago, when a football coach was hired, he got a job in the school, and they fixed him up with a local bank for a mortgage and new home.
Until public schools decide to sell, any kid with any talent should consider private school.
