The Birdie offers Westmoreland County season predictions that surely won’t crash and burn

By: The Birdie
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 7:01 AM

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Technology and the Birdie never got along.

The fast-talking featherweight clings to his collection of classic rock vinyl records, still uses pencil and paper to keep stats, and prefers reading hard copies of the daily newspaper.

(The ink stains on his bony fingers are decades old. Stacks of papers clutter his home office and hide his shag rug.)

But this summer, a friend piqued his interest when he let the flip phone-carrying Birdie borrow his drone.

“Take her for a spin,” the naive pal said.

Suddenly, Westmoreland County’s gridiron great was ready to soar into the 21st century.

“I was out at a few practices and the county 7-on-7s and saw some drones flying around,” Birdie said, tucking at the sleeve on his Hulkamania T-shirt and turning down Ozzy Osbourne on his car radio to tell his story. “Teams were filming plays to watch later. Still doesn’t beat a good set of eyeballs, but whatever, brother.”

The Birdie, back for another season of high school football predictions, had a short-lived experience with innovation.

The beginner pilot was attempting to check out Steelers training camp from the sky — “To get around the rubberneckers” and “see if Rodgers still got it”— when the device nosedived into some trees below the Basilica.

In a quick puff of smoke, he owed his buddy $500.

“That thing went down like Jay Leno behind the old Dino’s in Greensburg,” Birdie said. “Jay walked away banged up, but he recovered. I couldn’t throw an eye patch on that drone.”

While he believes a rival prognosticator may have tampered with the device, Birdie did not press the issue and moved on.

The incident behind him, the Birdie went out to see teams on foot this summer — incognito, faith in his instincts. Vintage Birdie.

“You can keep your flying watchamados,” he said. “I know good football when I see it. I don’t need to see receivers run routes from a — ahem — bird’s-eye view.”

Before he breaks anything else, the Birdie is ready to give you his team predictions for the 2025 season.

Here’s hoping his picks don’t crash and burn.

Belle Vernon: A new coach won’t change much. Why should he? This is a championship program, and the Leopards will remain competitive on the new sandy turf at “The Beach.” Wins: 5

Derry: The Birdie couldn’t find Derry at the WCCA 7-on-7 tournament. Maybe that means the Trojans don’t need work on their offense. Likely story. Wins: 3

Franklin Regional: It may take some time for a new quarterback and several new starters to jell, but the Panthers have some skill on both sides of the ball. Wins: 5

Greensburg Central Catholic: There are some flashy playmakers here, but if the Centurions are going to make a run, their defense will be the deciding factor. And one player can’t do it all. Wins: 6

Greensburg Salem: A seven-win season gives the Golden Lions optimism, but replacing some vital starters and shoring up the line will dictate where they go from here. Wins: 5

Hempfield: Depth and size could benefit the Spartans, but staying healthy from Week Zero on will be even more important. Identity will be key: This team could be very balanced or sell out and throw every down. Wins: 4

Jeannette: The program with the most wins in Westmoreland County will add to its total. Look for big plays to continue as the Jayhawks trade an underdog role for a favored one. Wins: 9

Latrobe: There have been significant personnel changes from the top down, but the Wildcats will look to stay among the playoff contenders with another sound rushing attack. Wins: 5

Ligonier Valley: The Rams will once again challenge for the league lead in miles traveled but will have a tougher time going 100 yards for touchdowns. It will take methodical and mistake-free football to win this season. Wins: 4

Monessen: The Greyhounds will be missing some of the offensive punch they had, but they will be in a lot of games. Wins: 5

Mt. Pleasant: The whole line is back, but finding chemistry with new names in the Wing-T will be the key. Fundamentals will make this team go. Wins: 6

Norwin: Not only do the Knights boast size, depth and skill — at various spots — they also have healthy players to open the season. Will it stay that way? That is the question. Wins: 5

Penn-Trafford: The names change, but the expectations do not. The Warriors will need some time to get clicking, but watch out if they do. Wins: 7

Southmoreland: Working in a new quarterback this summer was a key priority for a new coaching staff, but other key spots look sharp with another year of experience in place. Wins: 5

Yough: Like many years, finding balance and holding strong up front are keys to the Cougars getting out from the bottom of the conference. Wins: 3

Tags: Belle Vernon, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Yough