Harriton-Lower Merion Co-Op Approved by PIAA

Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn

Willie McGonigle | October 21, 2026

For months, the communities of Harriton High School and Lower Merion wanted their two schools, both part of the Lower Merion School District, to combine and form a single football program because participation in the sport was declining at both schools. That dream is now a reality. At its monthly meeting on October 7, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Board of Directors approved the CO-OP, effective beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.

A statement from Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli posted on the Lower Merion School District Website says

“ Dear LMSD Community,

I wanted to let you know that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), at their October meeting, approved LMSD’s application to form a cooperative Lower Merion and Harriton (merged) football team, beginning with the 2027 football season.

At this time, I know that current and future players, coaches, families, students, and community members have questions about the practicalities of how this merger will work.

In the coming weeks, I will meet with principals Dr. Johnson and Mr. Warshawer, athletics and activities directors Mr. Albert and Mr. Seman, and the football coaches to begin working out the many considerations involved in this process.

We will look at all the relevant logistical topics and the impact on related activities such as cheer and pep band.

While thoughtfully implementing this change to our high school football programs will require a lot of work, the goal is to create a sustainable program that prioritizes the safety of our student-athletes while preserving their opportunities to participate.

We will update the community on the process in the coming weeks and months.

Sincerely,

Dr. Frank Ranelli

Superintendent”

The Co-Op only affects football. Harriton and Lower Merion will continue to compete separately in the other sports. For classification purposes, the newly formed Harriton/Lower Merion Football team will be considered a 6A program but will be ineligible for the postseason. In 2027, the team will play an independent schedule and will rejoin the Central Athletic League in 2028. The current plan for the Central League in 2027 is that each team will play one non-league game and then play the remaining 9 other schools in the regular season. Haverford and Upper Darby will be allowed to play a second non-league game, with their annual Thanksgiving Day matchup serving as their league game.