The Birdie branches out to broadcasting in Westmoreland County

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | 5:06 PM

The Birdie tried to help some colleagues live stream a WPIAL football semifinal last week but things did not go as planned. Far from it, in fact.

The old veteran is more scribe than broadcaster, although friends have said he has a face for radio and a voice for newspapers.

Technology has never come easy to the area's high school football guru, who went 4-0 last week to improve to 116-26 for the season (82 percent).

He still can't believe you can watch high school football on the internet.

“So I kicked out a wire and the screen went blank, big deal,” Birdie said. “Accidents happen. I just wanted to help. They wouldn't let me run the camera or color-commentate so I volunteered for production. I just got in the way. Like prognosticating, leave it to the pros.”

The incident brought back memories of the night the Birdie “bumped” a switch in a press box and turned out the stadium lights.

“Nobody can prove that was me,” he said. “Someone told me that was the switch to order food. When I heard the boos, I figured it was just a bad call.”

The Birdie was fortunate enough to get a live feed back on his 2002 laptop last week in time to watch the final two minutes of the Jeannette-Rochester game.

“Jeannette didn't short circuit, it flipped a switch on,” Birdie said. “What a comeback. I knew it'd be a tight game, but I also told you the Jayhawks would win.”

The Birdie is excited because he gets to follow Penn-Trafford to Heinz Field this weekend. But he will keep it low key in the press box. No live streaming.

“I'll stick to the print side of the biz,” he said. “The next live stream I see will be the mighty Allegheny when I take the boat over to Heinz on Saturday.”

Now, more playoff picks:

Friday

Jeannette (11-1) vs. Clairton (9-2) at Elizabeth Forward

Clairton is healthier than it was earlier in the season, and it dominated Jeannette in Week 9. The Bears will get a greater test from the Jayhawks, but they still own the mental edge in this series.

Clairton, 30-22

Saturday

Penn-Trafford (11-1) vs. Gateway (11-1) at Heinz Field

The Birdie thinks Penn-Trafford is one of the most balanced teams the county has seen in a while. “Strong running game, cohesive line, athletes everywhere, great defense,” Birdie said. “The Warriors are like me: no weaknesses.”

Penn-Trafford, 23-14

Ligonier Valley (12-0) vs. Bishop McCort (10-2) at Mansion Park Stadium, Altoona

Ligonier Valley has one of the most high-powered offenses in the state, and the Rams are gearing up for a PIAA playoff push. “Hudl is running out of gig space for their highlights,” Birdie said. “Wait, what's a gig?”

Ligonier Valley, 29-13

Tags: Jeannette, Ligonier Valley, Penn-Trafford