The Birdie makes his Week 6 Westmoreland County picks from the campaign trail

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 | 6:23 PM

Season: 56-20

“I’m the Birdie, and I approve this message.”

Election season has Westmoreland County’s elder statesman feeling patriotic. He wants your vote.

He has put together a list of promises in an effort to gain “four more years” as the state’s top prognosticator.

The Birdie, who has been kissing babies and shaking hands, calls for:

• Better, more informed predictions that not only are fair and just but also motivational in their approach.

• More time studying game film to learn tendencies and become more informed for nonconference games.

• More representation of student sections, cheerleaders and bands in his column.

• The cutting of concession stand prices to better suit middle class families.

“A walking taco and a hot chocolate is not dinner, but it should at least be a cheap snack,” he said. “My goal is meal combos at all games. Gimme a No. 3 and a drink. Five bucks.”

• Less huddling of officials to make a standard call, and shorter halftimes.

“If you’re at the stadium for longer than three hours, you’ve overpaid for a ticket. Hey, refs. Make the call now. Talk after the game. And halftimes are too long. I love those bands, but one song is good for me. Wind that clock.”

• More flags for hurdling. The Birdie has seen several ball carriers hurdle defenders this season, and no flags were thrown.

• Banning the phrase “football play.” Because, as he said, they all are that.

• Better geographical decisions by the WPIAL.

“I will fight for those shorter bus rides and opponents you know,” he said. “No more New Castle or Ambridge coming to Herminie and Greensburg.”

The Birdie cuts his column short so he can run some fliers around town.

“Get out and vote,” he said. “I am the Birdie. I am the best. Together, we will build this nest.

“And remember, there is no game we can’t win together.”

Political rhetoric aside, here are this week’s picks:

Norwin at Hempfield: This has the potential to be the best local game of the week, with two of the better quarterbacks in the county trying to outduel the other. This is Hempfield’s biggest game of the year. Hempfield, 28-27

Kiski Area at Latrobe: Latrobe is moving the ball, but can it finish drives this week and stop the pass? Latrobe, 14-10

Penn-Trafford at Gateway: Penn-Trafford is at its best when it is balanced offensively. Gateway will not let that happen in a physical matchup in the trenches. Gateway, 20-17

Chartiers Valley at Belle Vernon: Belle Vernon is due for some offensive fireworks at home if it can get healthy. Special teams will set the tone. Belle Vernon, 23-17

Elizabeth Forward at Derry: Derry has a tendency to keep it close on the grass at Trojan Stadium, but Elizabeth Forward will break through after a slow start. Elizabeth Forward, 35-12

Mt. Pleasant at Greensburg Salem: Coaches talk about teams winning 50-50 balls. This, the Birdie said, is a 50-50 pick. He likes Mt. Pleasant’s running game, but the Golden Lions defense is much improved. Mt. Pleasant, 28-21

Yough at Southmoreland: Southmoreland will be challenged early, but once the Scotties hit a few plays downfield and get the lead, it’s over. Southmoreland, 30-16

Monessen at Chartiers-Houston: The last thing Monessen can do is take the Buccaneers lightly, but the Greyhounds should have enough athleticism to wear them down. Monessen, 22-15

Jeannette at Greensburg Central Catholic: A rivalry that always draws a crowd, Jeannette has more offensive threats, but GCC is sneaky on defense. This will be closer than some believe. Jeannette, 28-26

Franklin Regional at Fox Chapel: Franklin Regional steps out of conference play and fine-tunes some finer points for the stretch run. Franklin Regional, 35-7

Ligonier Valley at Charleroi: Ligonier Valley has the speed to turn this into its own personal track meet. Ligonier Valley, 24-13

Tags: Belle Vernon, Chartiers Valley, Chartiers-Houston, Derry Area, Elizabeth Forward, Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional, Gateway, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Yough