The Birdie opines for more games at Heinz Field

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 | 4:12 PM

Finally dried out after an all-day drenching last weekend at Heinz Field, the Birdie is ready to follow Jeannette to Robert Morris on Saturday for the WPIAL Class A championship.

He couldn't be more thrilled.

“Can't wait for all that atmosphere,” Birdie said, twirling his finger in the air like an umpire signaling home run. “It's a shame these guys can't play at Heinz. Don't give me this logistics stuff, WPIAL. Jeannette proved me wrong last week; I look like a Red-naped Sapsucker. But now I am saying you are wrong.

“These kids deserve the Heinz experience just as much as the bigger classes. Ask the Rooneys for two days. It's good PR.”

While Penn-Trafford did not bring home a championship last week, the Birdie knows the fans, players, coaches and cheerleaders enjoyed the title-game encounter.

“Jeannette and Imani Christian should have that same opportunity,” Birdie said. “I was at RMU last year, and it was so quiet I could hear people's stomachs grumbling … For more excitement! Seats on only one side stinks.”

Ligonier Valley, meantime, gets to play Dunmore at Hersheypark Stadium — “In the quarterfinals,” Birdie said. “What is that all about?”

With “Rocky Top” playing on his Walkman, the Birdie lifts an earphone to make another point.

“That makes about as much sense as having eight teams in Class 6A,” Birdie said. “Hershey should be reserved for the state finals only. And a vacation spot for me and Mrs. Birdie. Mmm, chocolate. Sweets to the sweet.”

The Birdman, set to overindulge himself on Turkey Day, went 1-2 last week — he thought Penn-Trafford would win — and is 117-28 for the season (81 percent).

“Probably a better percentage than your cell phone battery percentage,” he said.

With only two Westmoreland teams still standing, the Birdie is ready for more playoff picks.

Saturday

Jeannette (12-1) vs. Imani Christian (11-2)

Tempers flared the last time the teams played, but the Birdie looks for more disciplined play and the focus to be on big plays in the rematch. But Imani will make just a few more.

“Let's just say this won't be a 2-0 game,” Birdie said. “Could go either way. Save your wishbone and make your pick that way.”

Imani Christian, 44-36

Ligonier Valley (14-0) vs. Dunmore (13-0)

Despite an anomaly of a score last week — “They only scored 19?” Birdie quipped — Ligonier Valley keeps rolling. The Birdie thinks the Rams will last at least one more round in states.

Ligonier Valley, 22-14

Tags: Jeannette, Ligonier Valley