Strike up the band and get ready for The Birdie’s Week 9 Westmoreland County picks

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 | 6:14 PM

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Last week: 13-1 (92.9%)

Season: 86-25 (77.5%)

When the Birdie heard about Hempfield and Franklin Regional staying on the field after home games to watch their bands play, he drew inspiration for this week’s column.

He was touched by the sentiment.

You might even say he, well, he jumped on the bandwagon.

“Look, I know I have grumbled about halftime performances being too long,” Birdie said, standing on his desk and waving his No. 2. pencil like a conductor’s baton. “But I respect these bands. Some of them can really jam. You want teamwork and synergy? There is world-class entertainment at places like Franklin Regional. They’ve got that Elvis show down to a science.

“To you, FR, I must say, thank you, thank you very much.”

Coming in hot after a 13-1 week — thanks a lot, Franklin Regional — he was adamant about the band topic. In fact, he nixed his usual Halloween column, although he plans to check out Belle Vernon’s spooky season parade and trick-or-treat night Friday before the Interstate Conference championship at The Beach.

“I’m dressing up so nobody will know it’s me,” Birdie said, chuckling. “I’m prowling for peanut butter cups. Maybe I will go as a drum major.”

Back to the chorus …

The Birdie was especially impressed when Hempfield stuck around for a full song set by its band after a loss on homecoming night.

“It’s about supporting your school, your friends, your people,” Birdie said. “That is what high school sports are all about. The band and cheerleaders are on your side, so be on theirs too.

“Hey, you don’t get bands and cheerleaders at travel ball games, kiddos.”

Now, before he asks Mrs. Birdie to buy him a tuba for Christmas, here are his picks for what he expects to be a thrilling Week 9 with several close games:

Hempfield (1-8, 0-4) at Norwin (2-7, 1-3): Norwin has come too far not to put a positive stamp on an improved season. Should be a fun night, err, Knight. No sideline scuffles this week, Spartans. Norwin, 42-34

Penn-Trafford (4-5, 3-1) at Franklin Regional (6-3, 3-1): Arguably the most meaningful game of the night has plenty at stake. Prepare to hear the pads cracking from Vandergrift to Donegal. The Birdie expects some split lips. Franklin Regional, 23-21

Elizabeth Forward (9-0, 4-0) at Belle Vernon (7-1, 4-0): Get there early for this one. The Beach will be rocking. Elizabeth Forward will hold the Leopards in check, but not for four quarters. Belle Vernon, 35-18

South Allegheny (1-8, 0-4) at Greensburg Salem (1-8, 0-4): Look for big plays on both sides in a generally even matchup. Golden Lions win at home. Greensburg Salem, 29-27

Southmoreland (5-4, 2-2) at Mt. Pleasant (6-3, 2-2): While Mt. Pleasant should be able to run the ball and contain the run, the Vikings won’t be able to fully shut down the Scotties’ passing game. These teams can’t wait to play each other. Southmoreland, 23-20

Ligonier Valley (2-7, 1-5) at Derry (4-5, 3-3): Another good county matchup that could produce a couple of 100-yard rushers. Derry will do just enough to squeeze past the Rams. Derry, 19-14

Yough (2-7, 1-5) at Imani Christian (6-2, 4-1): Imani Christian can score quickly, as Yough will find out. Imani Christian, 44-14

Clairton (7-2, 5-0) at Jeannette (7-2, 4-1): Eastern Conference ghosts of the past tell the Birdie this game is gaining traction again. But the Jayhawks aren’t back to the Bears’ level — yet. Clairton, 32-20

Greensburg Central Catholic (6-3, 4-1) at Leechburg (6-3, 3-2): Playoff seeding could be at stake here in what could be a drag-out conference finale. GCC, 36-28

Monessen (3-6, 2-4) at Beth-Center (3-6, 3-3): If Monessen can eliminate penalties, it has a shot at the Bulldogs. This freshman QB looks good for the Greyhounds. Beth-Center, 22-18

Latrobe (6-3) at Butler (2-7): Latrobe would do well to rest some starters, but it won’t, as it builds for a playoff spot. This game won’t mean much to the steering committee but it means a lot to the ‘Cats. Latrobe, 28-12

Tags: Belle Vernon, Beth-Center, Butler, Clairton, Derry Area, Elizabeth Forward, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Imani Christian, Jeannette, Latrobe, Leechburg, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, South Allegheny, Southmoreland, Yough