Fortune favors The Birdie as he makes his Westmoreland County Week 3 picks

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 11:06 PM

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Last week: 7-6

Season: 22-14 (61%)

After a long week of prep work and games, the Birdie enjoys taking the Missus out for Chinese food on the weekends. The lovebirds especially enjoy buffets.

Even during a bumpy season such as this, an abject failure by his standards, he has to eat.

“It’s like my golf league,” Birdie said. “You can get a mulligan. You don’t like the first plate of the Triple Delight, General Tso’s or Walnut Shrimp? You go back up and take another swing. My over-under is six full plates. Maybe two for the lady.

“I’ll pass on the little ice cream cups, though. I want a scooper so I can control my dessert portion. Bring that back.”

A staple of the Chinese food tradition is fortune cookies, and the Birdie rubs his palms together as he waits for the good luck biscuits to arrive in their plastic wrap. He slides the bill over to Mrs. Birdie.

He takes his chopsticks and attempts to corral a bite of fried rice, but it explodes all over the table and floor.

“I’m like some of our local teams,” he said. “I can’t move the sticks.”

The Birdie has given each of this week’s games a message or vague prophecy. Some even get lucky numbers.

Hempfield (3-0) at North Allegheny (3-0): “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with one single step.” Hempfield has a long bus ride to play a perennial power, but the Spartans can challenge the Tigers with a patient and methodical approach. Are they good enough for the upset? North Allegheny, 28-14

Norwin (2-1) at Seneca Valley (1-2): “Get your mindset — confidence will lead you on.” Norwin has size and skill. Now the Knights have to believe that can translate to road wins in 6A. Lucky numbers: 3, 22, 36, 99. Norwin, 23-20

Franklin Regional (0-3) at Latrobe (1-2): “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” Latrobe and Franklin Regional are different teams from last year, but one will have more confidence running the football. Latrobe, 29-27

Penn-Trafford (3-0) at Woodland Hills (1-2): “When the wind changes direction, there are those that build walls and those that build windmills.” While Penn-Trafford has shown it can move the football on the ground and through the air, and win with drama, it has to play four quarters of sound football and play physical this week. Penn-Trafford, 31-26

Ligonier Valley (0-3) at Shady Side Academy (2-0): “A problem will not be as bad as it seems.” Shady Side Academy will get some “healthy” players back and take care of the road-warrior Rams at home. Shady Side Academy, 21-7

Monessen (3-0) at Serra Catholic (0-3): “Recognition will come from unexpected sources.” Monessen will share the wealth in an easy conference victory. Monessen, 38-8

Clairton (1-1) at Greensburg Central Catholic (2-1): “Be slow to speak and quick to act.” GCC has playmakers and will put up points, but fired-up Clairton will be too much up front. The Bears’ linemen will do the talking after an unwarranted week off. Clairton, 30-14

Ambridge (0-3) at Mt. Pleasant (1-2): “An enemy may simply have been misjudged.” Mt. Pleasant can’t take the Bridgers lightly. Lucky numbers: 5, 10, 12, 48, 87. Mt. Pleasant, 14-12

Burrell (1-2) at Derry (2-1): “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” This will be a knock-down, drag-out battle. The winners will have dirt under their fingernails. Derry, 20-19

McKeesport (1-2) at Belle Vernon (1-1): “It always seems impossible until it is done.” Belle Vernon will be an underdog but will give the Tigers a game nonetheless. McKeesport, 26-20

Ringgold (2-1) at Greensburg Salem (2-1): “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.” Ringgold has some flash and can score in bunches, but the Golden Lions could keep it close. Lucky numbers: 2, 23, 56, 81, 99. Ringgold, 28-14

Southmoreland (3-0) at Blackhawk (1-2): “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Southmoreland will face an uphill climb to 4-0, but the Scotties can make it happen with four strong quarters. Southmoreland, 42-38

Yough (2-1) at New Castle (2-1): “Do not mistake temptation for opportunity.” Yough will need to play a near-perfect game to win on the road. New Castle, 28-12

Jeannette (2-1) at Frazier (2-1): “Have a great day unless you have other plans.” Jeannette should have enough big plays to get a win, unless the Jayhawks beat themselves. Jeannette 34-14

Tags: Ambridge, Belle Vernon, Blackhawk, Burrell, Clairton, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Frazier, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, McKeesport, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, New Castle, North Allegheny, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Ringgold, Seneca Valley, Serra Catholic, Shady Side Academy, Southmoreland, Woodland Hills, Yough