Nov 27, 2002 By The Associated Press 3 min read

Philadelphia school again talking to PIAA Again, there is speculation that the PIAA might someday crown true Pennsylvania state champions – including teams from Philadelphia.

The PIAA is again talking to the Philadelphia Public league about bringing its 37 members into what would become a new PIAA district, a move that would create a stronger pool of teams in many state high school championship events.

“We’ve had two very positive meetings. I’m optimistic,” PIAA executive director Brad Cashman said. “It’s something I would like to see continue.”

Cashman will give the PIAA Board of Directors a status report at their Dec. 5 meeting in Hershey.

“It would impact every playoff in every sport,” PIAA District 7 (WPIAL) executive director Larry Hanley said. “I don’t know their competitive level in every sport, but in a couple of sports, particularly basketball, their reputation precedes them. This would be a whole new ball game.”

If the Public League joins, the PIAA hopes the Philadelphia Catholic League might follow. The Catholic League has yet to approach the PIAA about possible membership.

There appears to be growing support in the Philadelphia Public League to apply for membership in the PIAA. Paul Vallas, chief executive officer of the Philadelphia School District, has expressed an interest in the city’s teams competing for state championships.

The Philadelphia Public League Coaches Association is participating in talks with Philadelphia School District officials on the matter.

The Public League wants to retain its identity, but that should not be a problem. The Pittsburgh City League (PIAA District 8) already is a PIAA district unto itself, and the PIAA constitution already provides a window for the Philadelphia schools to join as PIAA District 12.

JOHNSON DECLARED INELIGIBLE: Running back Andrew Johnson, who transferred from Pittsburgh Central Catholic to North Hills amid a scandal at his old school, apparently won’t be eligible at his new school during the 2003 regular season.

The PIAA District 7 (WPIAL) Board of Control has ruled Johnson ineligible in all sports for the rest of the school year. He also can’t play football for North Hills next year unless the Indians make the playoffs.

The WPIAL decided that Johnson, one of the state’s best junior running backs, transferred for athletic intent.

Under PIAA rules, a student found to have transferred for athletic intent is ineligible for a year from the date he transferred.

North Hills plans to appeal the ruling. The WPIAL made its ruling despite the fact Johnson has lived in the North Hills school district with his mother since before his sophomore year.

Johnson transferred to North Hills after Central Catholic was barred by the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese from participating in the District 7 Class AAAA football playoffs. That decision came after a hazing incident that players initially refused to talk about led to a police investigation.