The Birdie remembers slobber knockers of days gone by, makes Westmoreland County playoff picks

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 6:16 PM

Last week: 7-2 (77.8%)

Season: 98-34 (74.2%)

The Birdie didn’t predict a Jeannette-Greensburg Central Catholic rematch, but he’s beaming with excitement and anticipation that it is happening.

He wishes, however, the teams could get in a time machine and play the game a couple of decades ago.

The Westmoreland County pigskin parrot is a sucker for the “good old days.”

“This rivalry isn’t what it used to be,” he said. “The players are more friendly with each other than they were years ago, but that’s all right. Times have changed. I am not some get-off-my-lawn throwback, but I must say, I miss the history of this matchup.”

The Birdie, who correctly predicted seven of nine local games to open the playoffs and is two wins shy of 100 for the season, remembers when Jeannette-GCC had sellout crowds, intense moments and spirited back-and-forth between the teams.

“Backyard rivalry football at its finest,” Birdie said. “I remember a game from 20 years ago when McKee Stadium was bursting at the seams with 4,000 fans. This was the hottest game in town.”

He remembers Muzzy and Terrelle, Suter, Sukay, Dent and lots of Halls and Browns. He recalls mud bowls with big hits, meaningful hits.

And how about that WPIAL championship in 2006? Jeannette beat Central, 24-14, to win a title that meant just a little more.

“Now, players transfer from one school to the other, and players hang out and take photos with one another after games,” Birdie said. “Their middle school teams even teamed up at one point. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, so don’t cancel me. I’m just saying it is all different now.

“That’s not to say we won’t see some great football from these teams. Some of the talent is right up there with the best.”

Now, before he ruffles any more feathers, here are the Birdie’s quarterfinal picks:

Jeannette vs. Greensburg Central Catholic: The last time these teams played, defense was fleeting, and the quarterbacks stole the show. Defense will have to show up in the rematch, and the QBs must get help for their team to advance to the semifinals for another likely rematch — with acclaimed Clairton. This will be a good one. Jeannette, 35-34

Penn-Trafford at Peters Township: While Penn-Trafford has a three-headed monster at running back, Peters Township has a vicious defense. Also, the Indians seem to have the Warriors’ number. Peters Township, 24-16

Franklin Regional at Pine-Richland: In a matchup of two of the more balanced teams in these playoffs, Pine-Richland should win the battle up front and wear down the Panthers, who will scrap early on. Pine-Richland, 28-17

Tags: Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Jeannette, Penn-Trafford, Peters Township, Pine-Richland