The Birdie is about ready for big dance in A-K Valley

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 | 4:48 PM

The Birdie got a flashback to his own high school days as he observed homecoming festivities at a few schools in recent weeks.

He remembered all the pageantry: the parade, the football game, and of course the dance — even if he never truly developed many moves.

“It always seemed like the chicken dance and nothing else,” Birdie said. “That probably explains why I'm more popular at weddings than I was at high school dances. It's either that or the mean air guitar I play.”

The Birdie also wasn't fond of the endless pictures.

“It always caused a lot of confusion when someone's mom would tell everybody to watch the birdie,” he said.

Believe it or not, The Birdie actually was a member of homecoming court as a senior. Even though he didn't win the crown, he still remembers the feeling of riding in the parade and getting introduced at halftime of the football game.

“Everybody did watch The Birdie then,” he said, without a hint of irony.

That all probably explains the Birdie's current love of attention. He thrives on picking games correctly, and that's largely been the case for him in recent weeks.

“Just take a gander at the record,” he said. “Proof's in the pudding. Two perfect weeks out of the last four, and last week my only incorrect prediction was picking against Deer Lakes … and honestly, who can blame me?”

The Birdie believes he's rounding into form as he gets ready for the dance — the big dance, that is.

“Gotta be at my best for the playoffs,” he said, “and I'm feeling optimistic.”

Deer Lakes (1-6, 0-5) at Shady Side Academy (5-2, 4-2)

The Lancers cracked the win column last week, completely shutting down Laurel's offense. They'll have a much harder time doing that this week against Shady Side's stable of playmakers, led by QB Skyy Moore.

Shady Side Academy, 31-7

East Allegheny (5-2) at Burrell (1-7)

The Bucs have lost seven consecutive games since their season-opening win over Springdale. An eighth straight loss appears to be money in the Banks — as in T.J., East Allegheny's highly recruited star.

East Allegheny, 35-14

Fox Chapel (4-4, 4-3) at Chartiers Valley (1-7, 1-5)

Maybe the Foxes got a little nostalgic for nailbiters last week against Baldwin after a couple comfortable wins in a row. But they should come out swinging this week with a chance to clinch a playoff spot.

Fox Chapel, 35-21

Highlands (4-3, 3-3) at South Fayette (8-0, 6-0)

The Golden Rams can sling the ball around, as they proved against Blackhawk last week. Problem is, South Fayette and 6,000-yard career passer Drew Saxton can do it a little bit better.

South Fayette, 42-21

Imani Christian (6-2, 4-1) at Springdale (4-4, 3-2)

Springdale can clinch a playoff berth with a win or some help Friday night. The Dynamos have hung around against the conference's top teams, but they're in for another difficult one this week.

Imani Christian, 40-21

Keystone Oaks (5-2, 4-1) at Freeport (5-2, 4-1)

The Yellowjackets saw one slip away against Seton LaSalle, but they need to bounce back quickly or face the possibility of missing the playoffs. They don't want a repeat of last year, and they won't have one.

Freeport, 24-17

Kiski Area (1-7, 1-5) at Penn-Trafford (8-0, 6-0)

A difficult season gets even tougher for Kiski Area against stingy Penn-Trafford, which has allowed 47 points all season. The Cavaliers gave up more in each of their past two games.

Penn-Trafford, 42-7

Leechburg (0-8) at Brownsville (1-7)

Leechburg's last victory came against Brownsville last season. Since then, it's been nine consecutive losses for the Blue Devils, and it appears double digits could be on the horizon.

Brownsville, 14-7

Plum (3-5, 3-4) at Latrobe (2-6, 1-5)

Good news/bad news for Plum last week, which was eliminated from the playoffs on the same night it ended its three-game losing streak. The Mustangs do have a chance to finish the conference season strong against a Latrobe team coming off a pair of heartbreaking losses.

Plum, 24-21

Riverview (2-5, 1-5) at Clairton (5-2, 4-1)

Riverview snapped its five-game losing streak with a complete performance in a shutout of Avella. But the Raiders aren't facing Avella this week.

Clairton, 48-7

Valley (2-5, 2-3) at Apollo-Ridge (4-4, 2-4)

Both teams in this battle of the Vikings had higher hopes for the season before getting derailed. Apollo-Ridge's strong start has been hampered by injuries and inexperience, and Valley finally is showing some signs of life.

Valley, 19-14

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