Kicking and screaming, The Birdie makes his Week 8 Westmoreland County picks

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 7:43 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Last week: 11-1 (91.7%)

Season: 75-24 (75.8%)

All of this hubbub over kickers lately has the Birdie getting a leg up.

“That looks like fun,” the old codger said.

He set up a “goal post” in his backyard, borrowing some large PVC pipe from a plumber friend and propping up the makeshift wishbone so he could practice his kicks.

There have been a lot of “clanks” and “thuds” coming from his lawn.

“One of you high schools needs to tell the boosters to sponsor a field-goal contest at halftime,” Birdie said, triple-tying his cleats. “You may not be able to give away a million bucks, but I’d kick it for 50. My company offers good hamstring insurance.”

Practice has had its ups and downs. The Birdie’s yard is only 50 yards long, so he doesn’t have much space to kick.

“If you’re going to try this at home, make sure you have a practice buddy to catch the ball,” Birdie said. “I sent an extra point through, and it ended up in my neighbor’s pool. He threw the ball back and said, ‘No good, Tweety.’ ”

Like one of his golf shots, the Birdie shanked another kick terribly right and hit a passing car. He ran into his house and hid under a pile of old newspapers.

On another attempt, which he called a “chip shot from the left hash,” he hit the mailman.

Another somehow went straight up and landed 10 yards behind him.

“These things take time and practice,” Birdie said. “I am going to keep grinding for that big contest. I’ll get my Hudl film out next week.”

Here’s to hoping his picks this week don’t sail wide. Time for Week 8:

Mt. Lebanon at Hempfield: Hempfield has its eyes on a playoff spot, and a win this week could go a long way. The Spartans will go long on the way to a win. Hempfield, 21-17

Norwin at Canon-McMillan: Injuries have derailed Norwin, and this will be a tough road trip for the Knights. Canon-McMillan, 28-14

Latrobe at Gateway: Another team sideswiped by injuries, Latrobe won’t be able to beat big-play Gateway with backups. Gateway, 27-7

Penn-Trafford at Armstrong: Armstrong likes to throw the football around, but the Warriors will have a game plan ready. Penn-Trafford, 28-14

Woodland Hills at Franklin Regional: A matchup of Big East big hitters. Woodland Hills will make one or two more plays than the Panthers. Woodland Hills, 27-23

Belle Vernon at Ringgold: Ringgold didn’t play last week, but the extra preparation time won’t do the Rams much good against the Leopards. Belle Vernon, 31-7

Derry at Mt. Pleasant: For fans of smashmouth football, this is the game to watch. Look for Mt. Pleasant to lull the Trojans with their running game. Mt. Pleasant, 27-17

Greensburg Salem at Yough: Yough has been waiting all season for that game where it finishes three good quarters with a good fourth. This could be it, but the Golden Lions have too many weapons. Greensburg Salem, 27-21

Southmoreland at Elizabeth Forward: Two of the best in the Interstate Conference will exchange big plays, but the Scotties will do more defensively. Southmoreland, 34-30

Steel Valley at Ligonier Valley: Both teams have track speed, but the Ironmen have just a bit more. Steel Valley, 34-13

Greensburg Central Catholic at Frazier: Greensburg Central Catholic should be able to rev up the offense and put up a season high for points. GCC, 42-12

Springdale at Jeannette: Undermanned Springdale will be trying to catch the Jayhawks all night, until the backups come in. Jeannette, 48-0

Monessen at Bishop Canevin: This game will have a playoff-like feel in Dormont. The host Crusaders will be more sound up front. Bishop Canevin, 30-22

Tags: Armstrong, Belle Vernon, Canon-McMillan, Derry Area, Elizabeth Forward, Franklin Regional, Gateway, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Latrobe, Mt. lebanon, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Ringgold, Southmoreland, Steel Valley, Woodland Hills, Yough