The Birdie tells A-K Valley seniors to take a bow, or hit a Griddy, in Week Zero

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 6:41 PM

At this time of year, high school football players, especially seniors, often are admonished by old folks to appreciate what they have before it’s gone.

There will be a Facebook post with a picture of an empty field, usually a little bit of fog, and the text will tell athletes to remember the feeling of brotherhood with teammates or the satisfaction of working toward a goal because it will be a memory someday soon and it will be missed.

The Birdie ain’t that sentimental.

He’s also not that humble.

“Don’t get me wrong. I think seniors should definitely appreciate their final seasons, but my reason is different,” he said.

“It’s the applause. The cheering. There are only so many times in your life when a crowd of people recognizes your greatness and gives you the adulation you deserve.

“Outside of the slim percentage of athletes who play in college, there isn’t much applause left. When you graduate high school. When you graduate college. When you get married. Boom. That’s it. You’re 26, and no one will ever clap for you again.

“Nobody claps at a funeral, so you can’t even count on one last round of applause.

“So that’s my advice to players beginning their final seasons of high school football. Bask in it. Work in a sack dance. Hit a Griddy in the end zone. Take the 15 yards if you have to. Your coach will get over it.

“Nobody ever wakes up in their 50s, back hurting for no particular reason, and says, ‘Man, I should’ve been more humble when I scored that touchdown my senior year.’

“And now, how about a round of applause for my Week Zero picks?”

• Allderdice at Fox Chapel: The first game for the Dragons after the death of longtime coach Jerry Haslett is sure to be emotional. Allderdice, 20-6

• Apollo-Ridge at Leechburg: Birdie expects a big senior year for Jayden Floyd. Leechburg, 27-20

• Armstrong at Highlands: Both teams have holes to fill, but Birdie thinks the River Hawks have to fill a few more. Highlands, 28-14

• Franklin Regional at Plum: A couple of teams that can light up the scoreboard. Last score wins. Franklin Regional, 40-34

• Freeport at Indiana: Yellowjackets have a point to prove after a down year. Freeport, 22-8

• Keystone Oaks at Deer Lakes: A 7-6 loss to KO in last year’s opener probably doesn’t sit well with the Lancers. Deer Lakes, 14-7

• Kiski Area at Knoch: What a fun matchup. The Knights are coming off a breakout season, but they’re stepping up in class to meet the Cavaliers. Knoch, 28-26

• Avonworth at Burrell: Tip of the cap to the Bucs for taking a tough game on short notice. They’ll be better for it in the long run. Avonworth, 34-13

• Valley at Southmoreland: Vikings are improving, but the Scotties are a bit of a 3A sleeper. Southmoreland, 26-12

Tags: Allderdice, Apollo-Ridge, Armstrong, Avonworth, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional, Freeport, Highlands, Indiana, Keystone Oaks, Kiski Area, Knoch, Leechburg, Plum, Southmoreland, Valley