The Birdie says keep the change as he makes his Week 1 picks in Westmoreland County

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 6:47 PM

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Last week: 6-5 (55%)

If you follow this space, then you know how much the Birdie hates change.

It makes him cringe.

Westmoreland County’s prep pigskin partridge wears old band T-shirts to work — “I have 100 but wear about six,” he said — and has lived in the same house for more than two decades.

He and the Missus have been love birds since high school and rarely deviate from their weekly routines.

“Some call it complacent,” Birdie said. “We call it comfort.”

The Birdie, who opened with a pedestrian 6-5 record, was up in arms last week when he heard one of his favorite restaurants was changing its decor and logo.

“You can mess with a lot of things,” he said. “But don’t ever mess with my Cracker Barrel.”

Before the comfort-food restaurant chain caved to the masses, the Birdie stress-ate several stacks of pancakes while swaying back and forth on a rocking chair on the porch of the Cracker Barrel in New Stanton.

“It’s depressing,” Birdie said. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“I don’t change my picks pattern each week. I have been using the same dart board and Magic 8 Ball for years.”

The Birdie was also upset he picked a game that didn’t exist last week.

“Belle Vernon got me again,” he said. “That second scrimmage must become a Week Zero game at some point. Not this year, though. See, Belle Vernon doesn’t like change, either.”

One thing the Birdie doesn’t want to see change: WPIAL transfer rules.

“You fanboys out there can whine all you want, but you don’t know all the facts,” Birdie said. “You can’t just green-light every transfer. If you’re running a league, would you encourage anarchy?

“That being said, in the future, don’t suspend a player for a whole season, just a few games and the playoffs. And go after these recruiters. A coach is caught recruiting, suspend him for the season and make his team ineligible for the playoffs.”

The Birdie refuses to comment on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift getting engaged, but “If you can get me into the reception, I’ll owe you one,” he said.

Now that the soap box is clear, here are this week’s picks:

Aliquippa (0-0) at Belle Vernon (0-0): A finals rematch from a few years back, Belle Vernon gets the Quips at home, but it won’t matter. Too much speed and ability on the perimeter. This one counts. Aliquippa, 29-13

Charleroi (0-1) at Yough (1-0): Charleroi’s new coach is named Scooter. His team will need one to chase Yough’s running backs around Cougar Mountain. Look for a big defensive play to turn the tide. Yough, 20-7

Derry (1-0) at Freeport (1-0): Derry’s roster didn’t pan out the way coaches thought it would, so players must step up and fill roles. That takes time. There will be some big hits. Freeport, 22-14

Greensburg Central Catholic (0-1) at Mt. Pleasant (1-0): GCC has finesse. Mt. Pleasant has strength. It will come down to the play of the linemen, and the Vikings have more depth there. Who wants to play defense for four quarters? Mt. Pleasant, 36-30

Greensburg Salem (0-1) at Ligonier Valley (0-1): An even matchup skill wise; the team that controls the line of scrimmage longer will have command. A trick play might have an impact here. Greensburg Salem, 28-20

Hempfield (1-0) at Franklin Regional (0-1): Panther Stadium will be packed, but the host Panthers will have a tough time slowing down the Spartans skill players. Field position will be huge. Hempfield, 28-21

Jeannette (0-1) at Apollo-Ridge (1-0): Venerable Owens Field isn’t as green as it used to be because of the lack of rain. Jeannette will burn the playing surface with big plays. Jeannette, 36-26

Kiski Area (1-0) at Norwin (0-1): The big boys up front will take a stand early, and the Knights will limit big plays on defense. Look for the running game to excel. Norwin, 32-14

Latrobe (0-1) at Plum (1-0): Both teams are looking for chemistry early in the year. Both have the potential to run the ball, so expect a fast-moving game. Plum, 34-14

Penn-Trafford (1-0) at Mt. Lebanon (0-1): This will be quite a test for Penn-Trafford — and on the road no less. Mt. Lebanon has size and a good quarterback. The Warriors must play mistake-free football. Mt. Lebanon, 21-14

Southmoreland (1-0) at East Allegheny (0-1): Southmoreland will put up some points this season, but the defense has to make stops. The Scotties will slow the Wildcats with a heavy pass rush. Southmoreland, 28-7

Monessen (1-0) at West Greene (0-1): West Greene’s coach is Beau Jackson. Beau knows … his team has to limit big plays and can’t miss tackles against the Greyhounds. Monessen, 31-8

Tags: Aliquippa, Apollo-Ridge, Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Derry Area, East Allegheny, Franklin Regional, Freeport, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. lebanon, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Plum, Southmoreland, West Greene, Yough