The Birdie adjusting to Week Zero slate in A-K Valley

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 12:12 AM

Eager to see what all the eclipse fuss was about, the Birdie began preparations for the big day in early August. He engineered a viewing contraption out of an empty Cocoa Puffs box — “I dig their mascot,” he said — and made sure he was free in the early afternoon on the expected day.

When he went outside at the anticipated time, however, the Birdie looked all around and saw … nothing.

“Oh, sure, the sun was there,” Birdie said. “But the moon was nowhere to be found.”

Confused, the Birdie threw away his cereal box and went back inside. It wasn't until a later discussion with Mrs. Birdie that he realized his mistake: He thought the eclipse was occurring Aug. 14. He'd made his plans a week too early.

Although he admits to his mistake, the Birdie feels he was justified.

“My calendar is all out of whack,” he said. “And I blame ‘Week Zero.' The WPIAL is starting games a week earlier, and so now I'm a week off on everything. Mrs. Birdie got mad because she thought I forgot her birthday and our anniversary, and I got a lot off strange looks when I threw a New Year's Eve party on Christmas Eve.”

Even in the second year of Week Zero, the Birdie can't quite wrap his mind around the entire concept.

“Does it matter or not?” he asked rhetorically. “If the WPIAL believes it's a good thing, why not make it mandatory? Why have this some-yes, some-no situation? I just don't get it.”

When the actual eclipse came around Monday, the Birdie missed it. He wasn't worried about looking at the sun, although some have accused him of trying to fly too close to it at times.

He just found himself otherwise occupied.

“I'll catch it in 2024, I guess,” he said. “Maybe I'll set a reminder now.”

For now, let the sun shine on the Week Zero picks:

Apollo-Ridge (0-0) at Leechburg (0-0)

One positive of Week Zero is seeing these two rivals square off. There's more intrigue with this matchup after the graduation of Duane Brown, but Apollo-Ridge still has enough skill to survive the Blue Devils.

Prediction: Apollo-Ridge, 21-10

Canon-McMillan (0-0) at Kiski Area (0-0)

The Sam Albert era begins for the Cavaliers, but just as importantly, the Ross Greece era continues. Expect Kiski Area to continue to ride the Lightning.

Prediction: Kiski Area, 27-21

Fox Chapel (0-0) at Mt. Lebanon (0-0)

Fox Chapel closed last season on a five-game winning streak but faces a brutal first-half schedule. A matchup with the Southeastern Conference favorite means the Foxes will have a hard time keeping the good vibes going.

Prediction: Mt. Lebanon, 35-21

Springdale (0-0) at Burrell (0-0)

New Springdale coach Seth Napierkowski makes his debut at Burrell, where he starred at quarterback. Eager to put a disappointing 2016 behind them, the Bucs will ruin their alum's homecoming.

Prediction: Burrell, 21-20

Yough (0-0) at Freeport (0-0)

These teams turned a scrimmage from last season into a Week Zero game this season. The Yellowjackets, who return a lot of experience from a surprising season, will benefit.

Prediction: Freeport, 28-14

Plum (0-0) vs. Penn Hills (0-0), Saturday

Plum memorably upset Penn Hills in 1996, when the Indians were ranked No. 1 in the country. With Penn Hills' offensive talent, this one won't have the same magical ending.

Prediction: Penn Hills, 35-14

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Fox Chapel, Freeport, Kiski School, Leechburg, Plum, Springdale