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Expansion shouldn't stop with Laurel Highlands
So regional football leagues are disbanding and teams are applying to new surroundings.
The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference is expanding. Maybe the time has come to adopt the WPIAL format of teams playing games according to classification.
Combine Districts 6 and 5, and extend an invitation to District 9 DuBois, Clearfield, Punxsutawney, Curwensville and Indiana (of the WPIAL).
Other possibilities might include Erie McDowell and Cathedral Prep, both of District 10, and District 4 Williamsport.
Those additions would bolster the number of schools in the Classes 6A, 5A and 4A.
The approximate number of teams in the lower classes would be: Class 1A (16 schools), Class 2A (20 schools) Class 3A (9 schools).
Teams would be arranged into sections. All teams could have at least one open date or two to allow for rivalry or traditional games.
Yes, travel times will be longer for some, but the alternative for the top three classes is independent scheduling, or alignment with the WPIAL or Harrisburg area leagues.
This might not be perfect, but it would be a step in the right direction.
Bill Shortencarrier
Hastings