Kicking and screaming, The Birdie makes his Week 3 picks in the A-K Valley

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 8:32 PM

Last week: 7-2

Season: 17-11 (60.7%)

The Birdie is a keen observer of trends in high school football and the way the game has changed over the decades.

In other words, he’s old.

Generally, when folks in The Birdie’s age group talk about the changes in football, they’re complaining about something or other.

“Whining like I did when Sheetz got rid of tater tots,” Birdie said.

The Birdie, on the other hand, tries to look at the positive ways the game has changed. And here’s one thing he’s noticed this season.

“Kickers are cool,” he said. “Never thought it would be possible, but it’s true.

“The kicker used to be a linebacker with a neck roll who won a contest at the last practice before the season started. Then it was a kid they dragged off the soccer team who looked terrified every second he was on the football field.

“Now, it’s totally different. They’re specialized athletes, strolling out there, booting 40-yarders with yards to spare.

“Remember when Fox Chapel snapped a 22-game losing streak a couple weeks ago? Their kicker, Harran Zureikat, made three field goals that day.

“Although the game didn’t go the way the Cavaliers wanted, kickers played a big role in Kiski Area’s game with Hempfield last week.

“It used to be a big story when a team had a girl kicker. Now, Plum’s Olivia Bigger’s knocking kicks through the uprights like it’s nothing.”

The moral of the story? Quit your whining and hug your kicker.

Now, after a 7-2 bounce-back performance, let’s see The Birdie’s picks for Week 3.

Freeport at Deer Lakes: The Lancers did exactly what they needed to in a three-game nonconference ramp-up to their Allegheny 7 schedule. They look like the best team in the Valley. The Yellowjackets, however, had a nice bounce-back win over Quaker Valley and won’t roll over. Deer Lakes, 27-20

Gateway at Kiski Area: Can the Cavaliers finish the job that Plum almost did on the Gators last week? They’re a tough team to predict. They’re 1-2, but both losses are to Class 6A opponents. Gateway, 21-20

Penn Hills at Fox Chapel: The Foxes were up on Knoch last week when lightning suspended the game. Penn Hills might be a bridge too far for the Foxes, but there will be highlights to come. Penn Hills, 30-14

Shaler at Plum: The Mustangs showed some moxie against Gateway last week, but the Titans have major momentum after handling rival Hampton. Shaler, 24-22

East Allegheny at Highlands: The Golden Rams are newspaper deadline killers this season — two overtime games and a rainout. Here’s to a nice, uneventful game this week. Highlands, 41-20

Imani Christian at Valley: The Saints have some of the most dangerous offensive players in Class 3A in the WPIAL. Imani Christian, 40-12

Riverview at Leechburg: No shame in losing to a very good Cornell team, but momentum is not in favor of the Raiders. The Blue Devils are coming off a good win over Serra Catholic. Leechburg, 21-13

Brentwood at Springdale: Coming off a win over Sto-Rox, the Spartans will have confidence. The Dynamos are searching desperately for some of that themselves. Brentwood, 21-6

Apollo-Ridge at Carlynton: The Vikings have done a lot of good things in each of their first three games. This is the spot for their first win, even though the Cougars are 2-1. Apollo-Ridge, 28-21

Derry at Burrell: The Bucs showed progress in a loss to Mt. Pleasant last week. The Trojans have a good win over Freeport on their resume. Derry, 21-20

Knoch at Montour: The Knights are a talented group that should have plenty to celebrate as the season rolls on, but the Spartans are a real tough out. Montour, 30-14

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Brentwood, Burrell, Carlynton, Deer Lakes, Derry Area, East Allegheny, Fox Chapel, Freeport, Gateway, Highlands, Imani Christian, Kiski Area, Knoch, Leechburg, Montour, Penn Hills, Plum, Riverview, Shaler, Springdale, Valley