The Birdie states case as top-flight prognosticator for Westmoreland County

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 | 7:18 PM

Last season: 119-30 (.799)

The Birdie sat in a recent meeting about the new “Trib 7” series, which ranks the best WPIAL players of all-time at various positions.

He had just returned from camp movie day with the Ligonier Valley Rams at the Diamond Theatre in Ligonier and had popcorn and Slushee all over his tattered 1968 Latrobe jersey.

Feeling antsy, he squirmed and attempted a half-turn in his rotating office chair before getting up enough courage to ask a question.

He stood up, raised a hand and suggested the staff rank the top football foretellers in state history.

“I know I have only been pecking, err picking, games in Westmoreland for one season, but I need to be on that ballot,” Birdie said, running his fingers through his mussed hair while looking at his reflection in a window. “Maybe a top rookie game-picker guy award is in order, here. I won almost 80 percent of my games last year.

“You know I should be No. 1,” he said. “Ask the people. Not only would they like to vote for the best prognosticators, but they’d all jump on my bandwagon. There’s plenty of room. I’m no one-year wonder.

“It’s Week Zero, and I, the Birdie, am your hero.”

Hempfield at Greensburg Salem

Offutt Field provides a great atmosphere for a game, and this matchup has the Birdie intrigued.

“You can see the courthouse from up in the press box,” Birdie said. “Ironic, since the jury’s still out on this one. Hempfield’s line will be the difference. I think.” Hempfield, 14-7

Penn-Trafford at Norwin

Rivals in every sense, Penn-Trafford and Norwin always seem to play one another close. Birdie likes the Knights’ offense.

“They can go deep or run the ball, nice balance,” he said. “P-T’s defense will be tested.” Norwin, 28-14

Derry at Latrobe

On the night Latrobe celebrates the 50th anniversary of its 1968 WPIAL championship team, the Wildcats won’t disappoint.

“Derry has too many question marks on offense,” Birdie said. “And Latrobe will move the ball effectively.” Latrobe, 19-12

Mt. Pleasant at Southmoreland

The Birdie appreciates a good, old-fashioned throwback game.

“Three yards and cloud of dust, they used to say,” he said. “When the dust settles, Mt. Pleasant will have the win.” Mt. Pleasant , 14-7

East Allegheny at Jeannette

Jeannette has a lot of talent back from its WPIAL and PIAA championship team. “But the ‘Hawks have to play disciplined football,” Birdie said. “Penalties will hurt this team more than it did last year.” Jeannette, 30-14

Ligonier Valley at Homer-Center

The Birdie thinks Ligonier Valley could be the most talented team in the county. Homer-Center has a lot to replace from its PIAA Class A runner-up team. Ligonier Valley , 34-14

Serra Catholic at Yough

Yough has the potential to surprise some teams this season, but the Birdie thinks a win in the opener won’t be a big surprise. Yough, 26-13

Tuscarawas C.C. (Ohio) at Greensburg C.C.

With experience at quarterback, GCC should be improved.

“Let’s just hope the free food is good in that new press box,” Birdie said. “I’ll take seconds.” Greensburg C.C., 14-12

Charleroi at Monessen

This rivalry goes way back, and the Birdie isn’t sharp on his Mon-Valley but he knows Charleroi has some game. Charleroi, 28-12

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