The Birdie returns to predict how the season will go for Westmoreland County teams

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 7:13 PM

Last season: 119-30 (.799)

In an effort to keep up with the younger crowd, the Birdie tries to stay hip to new trends on social media, the same way he is hip to another high school football season.

“Is there anything better?” the Westmoreland County football expert asked, leaning on a crutch and wearing a neck brace. “Well, maybe there is: being healthy for the start of a new season. Hip, you say? Both of mine are still good — for now. The rest of me is a mess.”

The Birdie fractured his ankle — “Lower-body injury if you print anything,” he quipped — while attempting a Twitter dance challenge. “One of the photographers was filming and forgot to tell me about the fast-approaching fire hydrant. Boom,” he said. “Saw more stars than there are on the cover of our preseason preview magazine.”

As for his neck, that was another dare gone awry.

“Zoom challenge,” he said, demonstrating with his hand that glistens with a cubic zirconia band he claims is a Jeannette championship ring. “Photographer got me again. Head snapped back like a Pez. Whiplash. Concussion protocol, too.”

Taking a break from Fortnite, he channels his inner Mother Hen: “You kiddos need to be more careful with these challenges. I gotta teach you the value of paper football.”

Back for a second season despite rumors the school board wanted him gone, the Birdie is primed to pick winners, follow local storylines and try to untangle the mire of rumors that tend to beset his kind every fall.

“That’s what I am here for,” he said, pecking at a moldy piece of bread on his desk. “I told you the 5A championship would be at Norwin. Good people at Norwin.

“And I predicted they’d build a Pittsburgh Steelers roller coaster at Kennywood. And you thought TribLive HSSN media day brought out the crowds?”

A co-worker peers over from behind his desktop: “No, you didn’t predict those things in your column. Slow your roll. You can’t take credit for everything. Stay in your lane.”

Birdie limps away like a defensive back beaten on a deep route.

“My head still hurts,” Birdie said. “I’m even seeing multiple Dave Keefers. Let’s get to the season predictions. When I get back to normal, nobody is beating me. Who’s up to that challenge?”

Belle Vernon

The Birdie thinks the Leopards have the look of a winner with their top passer, rusher and kicker/punter back.

Record: 7-2

Derry

The Birdie got pancaked for picking against the Trojans last year. He learned his lesson and thinks they will remain competitive.

Record: 6-4

Franklin Regional

Senior leadership meant a lot to the Panthers last year. It might take overachieving play up front and no big injuries for the offense to find its rhythm.

Record: 6-4

Greensburg C.C .

A new system endured a whole season, but is it enough to take root and produce more wins? Birdie thinks it is, but not many more.

Record: 4-6

Greensburg Salem

The Golden Lions learned to play through injuries last season, which gave some younger players valuable experience. But new performers will have to emerge quickly.

Record: 3-7

Hempfield

With virtually all of the Spartans’ offensive pop gone, life in 6A could be a grind. “That line is a lot better,” Birdie said. “That should help … some.”

Record: 2-8

Jeannette

The returning WPIAL and PIAA champions are the favorites in Class A but, “The defense needs to match that prolific offense,” Birdie said. “This team doesn’t want a lot of shootouts.”

Record: 9-1

Latrobe

Improvement was the key word around this team last season, and momentum is on the Wildcats’ side. But it will take a big push from the defense to equal last year’s output.

Record: 4-6

Ligonier Valley

The high-powered Rams don’t look like their run will end any time soon. Another big season awaits.

Record: 9-1

Monessen

The Greyhounds will be better with new schemes in place, but a lot fewer teams make the playoffs this year in Class A.

Record: 3-7

Mt. Pleasant

The Vikings had their streak of eight straight playoff trips snapped and face an uphill battle to start a new string of postseason appearances.

Record: 4-6

Norwin

While it plays in the WPIAL’s largest and most competitive class, Norwin has the weapons to make noise. “Signature wins,” Birdie said. “Need more than a couple against the big-namers.”

Record: 7-3

Penn-Trafford

Some key playmakers are gone, “Household names in Harrison City,” Birdie said, and new ones will have to fill spots for the Warriors to stay in the playoff chase.

“Watch that running back, Lisbon,” Birdie said.

Record: 6-4

Southmoreland

A new coach and playbook have the Scotties feeling refreshed, but change takes time to blend into a program.

Record: 2-8

Yough

A nice looking senior group, led by tailback Dustin Shoaf, whom the Birdie calls “the most under-recruited player in the county,” could pull out a few surprises.

Record: 5-5