The Aliquippa School District has won its appeal before the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association directors on the association's decision to move the district's football program to Class 5A, the district superintendent confirmed Wednesday evening. “I was actually very surprised and excited that the PIAA granted us a little bit of extra time to get our point across,” Dr. Phillip Woods said.It was a big win for Aliquippa after fighting to stay in class 4A in football. The PIAA board heard powerful testimony from the district and former NFL Player and Aliquippa alum Ty Law.“Yes, we do have a lot of talent there, we have some talent that came out of there, but if you look at the pure numbers, we’re an anomaly in a sense,” Law said.Despite having a Class A enrollment, the team would have been forced to compete in 5A under the PIAA competitive-balance rule.“When you got 118 students, male students to choose from, and then you are competing against another school that has 500 students to choose from … it’s just not logical,” Woods said.Previously, Aliquippa had voluntarily agreed to play up to 3A for more competition, but the team was eventually forced to compete in 4A based on the PIAA formula.“We are very fortunate that we were able to overcome injuries, we were able to overcome fatigue, and wear and tear, and we successfully won the state championship,” Woods said.Woods said player safety was a main concern with a small school going against a 5A team.“The difference is there is 11 offense, 11 defense, 11 special teams,” Woods said.Woods also argued economic disparities.“There are levels for reasons. There are budgets for reasons. You can't go into a 1A facility and go into a 6A, 5A facility and think you are going to see the same equipment and resources,” Woods said. Aliquippa will remain in Class 4A for the next two seasons. The Western PA Interscholastic Athletic League released a statement following the decision. "We applaud Aliquippa for their preparation and presentation today. At the completion of the appeal process, the PIAA Board of Directors took into consideration all factors presented and made a decision to grant the appeal. We are pleased to see that the whole situation was reviewed and a human element added to the decision. We wish Aliquippa all the best and are looking forward to a competitive 4A Football tournament over the next two years," WPIAL Executive Director Amy Scheuneman said.