The Birdie thinks A-K Valley teams resemble scary movies

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 | 6:03 PM

Last week: 10-1 (.909)

Season: 72-17 (.809)

The Birdie was watching television over the weekend when a commercial for the upcoming “Halloween” movie filled his screen.

Originally confused by some aspects of the film — “how does a mask’s face age?” and “what happened with all the sequels in between?” were among his questions after doing a bit of background research — the Birdie now is dreading its release.

“As far as I’m concerned, the horror genre can stay far away from me.”

The Birdie bets some Alle-Kiski Valley coaches probably want to scream after watching recent game film.

“Kiski, getting outscored 113-6 the last two weeks? That’s terrifying,” he said. “That first quarter for Highlands against South Fayette? Horrifying. Springdale’s offensive game film? Bone-chilling.”

It’s been a difficult season for A-K Valley teams, but a few still can claim spots in the postseason, like Freeport’s Frankenstein monster impression — “It’s alive!” — after an 0-3 start, or Knoch rising like Freddy Krueger or Jason to prove they’re not dead yet.

Apollo-Ridge (2-6) at Freedom (7-1)

Let Freedom ring in another loss for Apollo-Ridge, which is reeling with injuries and five straight defeats. Freedom, 41-14

Deer Lakes (3-4, 3-3) at Derry (7-1, 5-1)

The Lancers have struggled against standout running backs this year, and Derry’s Justin Flack scored eight touchdowns last week. Derry, 41-21

Fox Chapel (2-6, 1-4) at Armstrong (3-5, 1-4)

It’s been a down year for both teams, but the River Hawks are still ‘strong’ enough for a win. Armstrong, 28-21

Highlands (2-6, 2-4) at New Castle (3-5, 1-4)

This one might not have the glitz of last season’s record-shattering double-overtime game, but the Golden Rams would be happier with a win this time. Highlands, 34-28

Leechburg (3-5) at Bentworth (4-4)

It’ll be a long road trip for Leechburg, and the Blue Devils will want to make the visit to Washington County worth it. Leechburg, 24-21

Mars (7-1, 4-1) at Kiski Area (3-5, 2-3)

The Cavaliers are glad to be back into conference play after two rough weeks, but it’s hard to imagine a happier result against the Planets. Mars, 42-28

Mt. Pleasant (1-7, 1-5) at Freeport (4-3, 4-3)

The Yellowjackets can clinch a playoff berth with a win. That makes struggling Mt. Pleasant the perfect opponent. Freeport, 28-7

Plum (2-6) at Belle Vernon (6-1)

Plum might have caught a break when Belle Vernon’s star quarterback was lost for the season to injury last week. Alas, the Leopards still can run. Belle Vernon, 35-7

Riverside (5-2) at Valley (3-5)

It might have been too close for comfort last week, but Valley will take wins any way it can get them. Unfortunately, the Vikings won’t get one this week. Riverside, 34-14

Springdale (1-6) at Clairton (7-0)

Forget a win … surely, at this point Springdale would settle for some offense. It’s hard to see that bearing much fruit against Clairton. Clairton, 41-6

Trinity (1-6) at Knoch (3-5)

Still alive for a playoff spot like those zombies in Night of the Living Dead, the Knights will win … and then wait and see what else happens. Knoch, 21-7

Waynesburg (1-7) at Burrell (2-6)

Argh! In a game between teams with pirate pseudonyms, the Bucs will find the treasure. Burrell, 21-10

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel, Freeport, Highlands, Kiski School, Leechburg, Plum, Riverview, Springdale, St. Joseph, Valley