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Reading High is leaving the Lancaster-Lebanon League.
The football-only member was accepted into the Berks Inter-County League Thursday, according to I-C president Jim Ketner.
Reading's departure, which will take effect in the fall of 2010, could lead to a quandary for the remaining L-L League schools.
"The bad thing is that it creates an odd number, and when you have that odd number it's not fun trying to find a game," Elco athletic director Doug Bohannon said. "When you have a bye in Week 8, that's difficult to fill."
One potential solution is out there. The L-L League could welcome Octorara, a Chester County-based school that plays in the Ches-Mont League.
Octorara has requested entry into the L-L League for all sports, and a vote of the athletic directors will be held on Nov. 19. A two-thirds majority approval is needed to bring in the Braves.
Lebanon County schools have expressed dissatisfaction with the possible addition of Octorara, which is based in Atglen, south of Gap.
That's a long trip for schools such as Northern Lebanon, and it would force kids to leave class early to make it to sporting events on time.
The depature of Reading essentially leaves the L-L League's members with a question: Would they rather have an uneven number of football teams or would they rather have Octorara aboard?Reading's situation hasn't altered Elco's opinion.
"It would not change my vote at all," Bohannon said. "We would definitely be a no."
There are six Lebanon County schools in the L-L League. If they all vote no, it would only take three more no votes from the other 18 members to exclude Octorara.
Reading, which stood beside Wilson as the only Berks County teams in the L- League for football, was approved into the I-C League by a 12-3 vote.
The Red Knights have decided to play closer to home. Joining the I-C will pit them against geographical rivals Conrad Weiser, Daniel Boone and Governor Mifflin.
While Reading's exit leaves a vacancy in Section One, it's possible a school could bump up to Section One as a replacement.
If Octorara is not approved, it remains to be seen which section would have the odd number of teams.
For the past few weeks, the L-L League knew its football memberships hinged on the direction of two schools.
(1593) (938) (353) (236) (228) (18) (3)Reading's future was determined Thursday.
Octorara is up next.
E-mail: jguarente@lnpnews.com
