I think — and certainly hope — the ball is slowly starting to roll in the direction of separate playoffs for boundary/non-boundary schools. I’m not sure the PIAA leadership is against this move. I believe they fear the legal challenge that could bankrupt the PIAA if it attempts to stage separate playoffs without new legislation in place.
I’m from the D-10 area, where the non-publics (Erie Prep, Villa Maria, Mercyhurst Prep, Kennedy Catholic) are so brazen they barely try to disguise their recruiting.
Prep football coach needed a QB after his son graduated. Brought in two from neighboring public schools. (They apparently wanted more religious studies for their senior years.) And Prep provides the attorney each time D-10 holds a transfer hearing.
Kennedy, a dumpy little school with awful facilities in Sharon, just happened to become a landing spot for multiple international players with D-1 talent.
The Villa coach runs the Erie AAU program. He roams Erie County (and more) legally recruiting the best junior high player for his AAU squad. And these players (surprise, surprise) announce just prior to their freshman season their intention to transfer to Villa.
Separation legislation can’t come soon enough for most fans who truly enjoy scholastic sports. I don’t see how non-boundary schools would be harmed by a separate playoffs bracket as long as all schools play together in the regular season.