Picks for The Birdie unrivaled in A-K Valley

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 | 6:06 PM

The Birdie likes nothing better than some good, old-fashioned chirping. In fact, he's usually the one doing it.

“Nothing brings out the trash talk quite like a rivalry game,” Birdie said. “Then again, these days, what does a rivalry mean anyway? Not much if you're the PIAA.”

Old news or not, the Birdie will keep beating the drum against the six classes.

Losing the local rivalries of the former Allegheny Conference still ruffles his feathers, so to speak.

“Freeport and Highlands don't play anymore,” he said. “How will we know who controls the bridge?”

One rivalry the PIAA's shuffle reignited was Highlands-Knoch, which renew acquaintances this week. Other strong ones remain in the Alle-Kiski Valley: Burrell-Valley, for instance, and certainly Riverview-Springdale.

The Birdie hopes those teams cherish their rivalries, perhaps more than a certain James from State College.

As for his own rivals, the Birdie hears some trash talk when he gets a pick wrong. He brushes it off.

“It doesn't happen often enough for me to get offended,” he said. “They hate me ‘cause they ain't me.”

These days, it seems like some are trying to create a rivalry with the Birdie. He's heard rumors of a doppelganger picking games in Westmoreland County — “he even took my name, which is just wrong,” Birdie said — and don't think he didn't notice a certain “Beat the Birdie” contest.

“So you think you can beat me?” he asked. “Well, bring it on. You haven't seen my game face yet.”

One rival remains the most important for the Birdie: his picks record.

Last week saw improvement in that area, as he posted a record of 9-2 — “Kudos to Apollo-Ridge and Fox Chapel for proving me wrong,” he said — but he's looking for a perfect score this week.

After all, nobody can rival that.

Apollo-Ridge (3-0, 1-0) at Shady Side Academy (1-1, 1-1)

The young Vikings showed last week they might be ready for prime time after all, especially with a senior QB at the helm. SSA is much-improved as well, so this one could have some fireworks.

Apollo-Ridge, 28-21

Bishop Canevin (0-2, 0-1) at Leechburg (0-3, 0-2)

The “Can” in “Canevin” currently stands for “Can they score?” after back-to-back shutouts. If Leechburg can't find its mojo against the Crusaders, it may never happen.

Leechburg, 10-6

Burrell (1-2, 0-1) at Seton LaSalle (2-0, 2-0)

Nothing went right for the Bucs against Shady Side Academy. It's not exactly the best time to play conference favorite Seton LaSalle, which dropped the hyphen in its name the way it dropped Valley last week.

Seton LaSalle, 35-14

Deer Lakes (0-2, 0-2) at Keystone Oaks (2-0, 1-0)

Some football wisdom: It doesn't matter how long you hold the ball if you can't get it in the end zone. The Lancers will struggle with that again this week.

Keystone Oaks, 28-7

Franklin Regional (2-0, 2-0) at Plum (1-2, 1-1)

Plum's offense has three field goals in three games, and now the Mustangs are missing their quarterback. Hard to see how that helps their offense.

Franklin Regional, 24-7

Freeport (2-0) at Aliquippa (3-0)

The Yellowjackets typically hold a defensive edge against their opponents. That won't be the case against the mighty Quips, who haven't allowed an offensive touchdown in three games.

Aliquippa, 27-7

Knoch (1-1, 1-0) at Highlands (1-1, 1-1)

Slingin' Seth Cohen and the Golden Rams set some school records in a losing effort last week. They probably won't put up 47 points this week against Knoch's stingy defense, but here's saying they won't have to.

Highlands, 28-20

Latrobe (1-2, 0-1) at Kiski Area (0-3, 0-2)

Sam Albert is playing a heck of a game of horseshoes right now, but that hasn't counted much in terms of football. The fourth time will be the charm.

Kiski Area, 21-14

North Hills (1-2, 0-2) at Fox Chapel (1-2, 0-2)

One team coming off a thrilling victory, the other coming off a heartbreaking loss. This one's truly a coin toss.

North Hills, 21-20

Springdale (1-2) at Beth-Center (3-0)

The Dynamos gave powerful Clairton all it could handle before falling short. They hope for a similar effort with a different result this week.

Springdale, 20-14

Valley (0-2) at Steel Valley (2-0)

Two weeks, two blown leads, two losses. Is Valley alive or dead? How the Vikings perform against the Ironmen could answer that question, but their vital signs aren't promising.

Steel Valley, 27-14

Saturday

Jeannette (3-0, 1-0) at Riverview (1-1, 1-1)

The Raiders couldn't contain Imani's playmakers last week. That's a problem because Jeannette might have even more.

Jeannette, 49-6

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel, Freeport, Highlands, Kiski School, Knoch, Leechburg, Plum, Riverview, Springdale, Valley