When the Philadelphia Catholic schools were added to the PIAA, the eastern part of the state became stronger in each sport. The rivalry between the east and west has grown over the years but was it really a rivalry this school year? The all-east championships in Class AAA and AAAA baseball and softball reflects a banner year for the eastern districts in the PIAA.
The east went 3-1 in football state-title games, 7-1 in basketball and is already 4-0 in baseball and softball. The disparity is magnified further when taking every sport in account. Without counting baseball or softball yet, the east has won 33 of 45 team championships. After Friday, there will be a total of 53 championships with the east taking at least 37 of them.
Girls tennis was the only sport the west won this year. The west swept the two team titles in the fall. The west also forced splits in team golf and team wrestling. The east earned sweeps in boys volleyball, boys team tennis and lacrosse.
Here is a breakdown of each sport
Fall
Football: East 3, West 1
Soccer: East 7, West 1
Girls volleyball: East 2, West 1
Girls tennis: West 2, East 0
Golf: East 1, West 1
Cross country: East 3, West 1
Winter
Basketball: East 7, West 1
Wrestling: East 1, West 1
Swimming: East 3, West 1
Spring
Boys volleyball: East 2, West 0
Boys tennis: East 2, West 0
Lacrosse: East 2, West 0
Track and field: East 3, West 1
Note: The east has already clinched two titles in baseball and two in softball.
– Tom Reisenweber
