After enjoying a bye, The Birdie is fired up for 2nd week of playoffs for Westmoreland County teams

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 4:35 PM

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Last week: 4-1 (80%)

Season: 103-28 (79%)

It could be a theme for English class: “How I spent my bye week,” by the Birdie.

In an effort to simulate what Penn-Trafford and Norwin went through last week, your county high school football consultant didn’t attend a game last week and instead chose to relax and rest “the usual bumps and bruises associated with play,” as Mike Tomlin likes to say.

Penn-Trafford had a first-round bye in Class 5A, whereas Norwin had to wait an extra week to play its 6A semifinal.

The Birdie peeked in on practices for both teams and liked what he saw.

He took five PTO days and limited his screen time — well, he did go to the movies three times.

“I needed it, too,” Birdie said, rubbing his shoulder, which hurts from carrying his backpack that is so often loaded with snacks and old newspapers. “The season has taken its toll on me. I went into the blue carpal tunnel tent last week as a precaution, then saw my optometrist to check the peepers. Like some of the teams I cover, I passed the eye test.”

An adjustment at his chiropractor also did him some good.

“Now I’m ‘back’ to work,” Birdie said, wincing as he tried to bend like a gymnast. “And so are our teams. Let’s get it.”

The Birdie still is baffled by Southmoreland’s futility in the playoffs.

“Six-seven, the kids like to say,” Birdie said. “Well, it was six, now it’s seven straight empty trips to the playoffs. Some things in sports you just can’t explain. Even experts like me can’t do that math.”

Now, where were we?

Moon (8-3) at Penn-Trafford (9-1): Though it is tough to beat a team twice, the Birdie thinks Penn-Trafford will be well-rested and ready to move on to the semifinals. The Warriors are very tough to beat at home in the postseason. Look for them to get an early lead this time and not have to strain as much to come back late. The ground game will be effective, and a blitz or two will force the Tigers into some mistakes. Penn-Trafford, 28-21

Norwin (7-3) at North Allegheny (7-3): The Birdie doesn’t remember the last time he picked Norwin to win a playoff game. That’s because he never has. This week is different. He thinks North Allegheny won’t have enough offensively this time to get by a Norwin team that will play a cleaner, more efficient game. A turnover will turn the tide. Norwin, 27-24

Jeannette (8-3) at Clairton (10-1): Clairton is on some kind of heater, and the Jayhawks aren’t going to be the team to slow down the Bears, who have not allowed a point in nine games. The streak will end, but the dominance will continue as the Bears put pressure on the quarterback and take big plays to the house. Jeannette doesn’t need its opponent to share film this week. The Jayhawks have seen this movie before. Clairton, 49-7

Tags: Clairton, Jeannette, Moon, North Allegheny, Norwin, Penn-Trafford