The legal battle over Aliquippa High School's classification ended last night in Commonwealth Court.
Judge Patricia McCullough rejected a PIAA request for an emergency stay to move the Quips up to Class 5A.
That means Aliquippa will remain in Class 4A in football for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Quips won their fifth State Title this past season. The first undefeated season in school history.
Earlier this week, head coach Mike Warfield said he is “taking a leave of absence for this upcoming season.”
Warfield confirmed to KDKA Radio that it’s just a one year leave and that he just needs a break.
“After 25 years as a Pennsylvania State Trooper (21 of those years with the DEA), then 3 years with the United States Attorney’s Office, and now working at McKesson Pharmaceuticals, it’s time for a short recess,” Warfield wrote in a letter.
Vashawn Patrick will be the team’s interim head coach and Jaleel Field will be the associate head coach.
“Coach Pat and Jaleel truly love our kids, and the kids love them,” said Warfield.
Warfield added that he will still be around this season overseeing the team’s quarterback club activities.