The DIAA Board of Directors voted to approve a three-tiered Delaware high school football system for the next two seasons.
After a lengthy discussion about the merits of whether two-time defending Division 2 champion Howard should be moved to the top level or not, the board decided to vote on a proposal created by the state's public superintendents that had them in 2A.
DIAA Board Chair Bradley Layfield said despite Howard's run of three Division 2 titles in five years, he heard Howard's complaint about a small male student population -- just over 300, smallest of any potential 3A -- being a sticking point that doesn't guarantee the run continues.
"Yes, they've had recent success, that's no guarantee of success over the next two year cycle. As a 2A school, I don't think there would be a very compelling argument at that time if they walk the dog in 2A that they should remain there."
The superintendents also modified the Delaware Association of Athletic Directors' proposal by moving Polytech from 2A to 1A. Polytech Superintendent Amelia Hodges joined the board last week.
3A would consist of 11 schools, 2A of 21 schools, and 1A would have 14 schools, once varsity programs at Early College HS and Odessa become established.
No determination was made on how realignments would be done going forward, whether win/loss records would take greater weight, or is enrollment would still be a key factor.
There was also no decision made on a scheduling format, especially at 3A, where the five-team District 2 would only have four guaranteed games. A scheduling committee is being formed to look into how to create the mandated schedules so schools could begin seeing out-of-district or out-of-state games.
These changes are only for football. The DIAA Board has discussed in recent months considering making similar changes in other sports if the football changes are successful.Â
2021-22 Delaware High School Football Classifications
CLASS 3AÂ
District 1
- Appoquinimink
- Hodgson
- Middletown
- Salesianum
- St. Georges
- William Penn
District 2
- Cape Henlopen
- Caesar Rodney
- Dover
- Smyrna
- Sussex Central
CLASS 2A
District 1
- Concord
- Conrad
- Delcastle
- DMA
- McKean
- Newark
- St. Mark's
District 2
- A.I. duPont
- Archmere
- Brandywine
- Howard
- Mt. Pleasant
- Tower Hill
- Friends
District 3
- Caravel
- Delmar
- Lake Forest
- Milford
- Red Lion
- Sussex Tech
- Woodbridge
CLASS 1A
District 1
- Christiana
- Wilmington Charter
- Dickinson
- Glasgow
- St. Andrew's
- St. Elizabeth
- Tatnall
District 2
- Early College
- First State Military Academy
- Indian River
- Laurel
- Odessa
- Polytech
- Seaford
