The Birdie looks to beat the heat with A-K Valley picks for Week 2

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 | 7:18 PM

Last week: 13-0

Season: 17-2 (.895)

As he sweat in the stands at a local football stadium last week, the Birdie considered a lighter coat of feathers for the first time in his life.

“I’m not acclimated for this heat,” he groused, and neither is his normally trusty Chevette, which he fears is on its last legs.

Not usually one for empathy, The Birdie sympathized with Springdale’s and Imani Christian’s decision to end their game after one half of play for safety concerns.

“Is it scorching out here, or is it just me?” The Birdie wondered on Labor Day, as temperatures again exceeded 90.

The Birdie went a perfect 13-0 in Week 1, atoning for a somewhat shaky Week Zero. Some fans were upset with his picks, but he just points to the scoreboard.

Will he bring the heat again?

Friday

Apollo-Ridge (1-1) at Carlynton (1-1)

The Vikings still are finding their way, but they’ll find a way to get a win here. Apollo-Ridge, 21-7

Blackhawk (2-0, 1-0) at Highlands (0-2, 0-0)

“Apparently I need to give ‘props’ to Highlands QB Seth Cohen and WR Johnny Crise after their performance last week,” the Birdie said. “Kudos for the stats, boys, but I think you’ll get something better this week.” Highlands, 28-21

Burrell (0-2, 0-1) at Elizabeth Forward (1-0, 1-0)

The Bucs were on the short end of the skill battle last week. Here, they’re on the downside of size. Elizabeth Forward, 28-14

Freeport (0-1, 0-1) at North Catholic (2-0, 1-0)

The Trojans have playmakers all around, and Freeport could be missing one of its biggest in Conor Selinger. North Catholic, 35-21

Gateway (2-0, 1-0) at Plum (1-1, 0-1)

The Mustangs gave up 42 in a half to Franklin Regional. That’s not a good sign when they’re about to face one of the most dangerous offenses in the WPIAL. Gateway, 49-21

Kiski Area (2-0, 1-0) at North Hills (2-0, 1-0)

Cavaliers fans say the Birdie always picks against them — “Not true this year,” he said. This week, they’re right about his pick, but can they prove him wrong? North Hills, 28-21

Knoch (0-2) at Beaver (1-1)

Knoch’s still struggling with its option, leaving no option than to pick against the Knights. Beaver, 21-14

Leechburg (1-1) at Rochester (2-0)

A second straight blue blood opponent for the Blue Devils, who are showing improvement but not enough to win this one. Rochester, 28-14

Penn Hills (2-0) at Fox Chapel (0-2)

The Indians have the most dangerous quarterback in the WPIAL in Hollis Mathis. Expect another big game here. Penn Hills, 42-21

Shady Side Academy (1-0, 0-0) at Valley (1-1, 0-1)

WPIAL title contender Shady Side Academy is visiting the hometown of star QB Skyy Moore. I don’t see the Skyy falling Friday night. Shady Side Academy, 42-21

Springdale (0-1) at Monessen (1-0)

Springdale should have a more even matchup, but the Dynamos still will have trouble running with the Greyhounds.

Monessen, 35-14

Uniontown (0-2, 0-1) at Deer Lakes (0-1, 0-1)

The Lancers’ playmakers will get into the end zone enough against an extremely giving Uniontown defense. Deer Lakes, 28-19

Saturday

Charleroi (1-0) at Riverview (0-1)

Riverview won’t have it easy against a Charleroi team coming off an eyebrow-raising win over Wash High. Charleroi, 42-13

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