The kids are all right, The Birdie says, as he makes his Week 6 picks in the A-K Valley

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 5:39 PM

Last week: 8-1

Season: 54-11 (83%)

The Birdie has something sticking in his craw this week.

“You know the kerfuffle last week about Fox Chapel and Baldwin asking their opponents to take it easy on them?

“It could lead to a worthwhile discussion about solutions to the problem of competitive imbalance in high school football. We could talk about the pluses and minuses of independent schedules, co-ops and a promotion/relegation system.

“Instead, the lowest common denominator has used it to whine about how this generation of kids is soft. That kind of talk ruffles my feathers.

“For one thing, every generation has said this about the next one since caveman times. ‘Yeah, but this time it’s different.’ Every generation has said that, too.

“For another thing, every generation should be softer than the last. It’s called progress. Kids don’t have to work in the steel mills at age 14 anymore. That’s a good thing.

“Finally, no kid who buckles up his chinstrap on Friday night is soft. Football is a sport that requires physical sacrifice for the good of the team. That sound soft to you?

“You know someone who wasn’t soft? Theodore Roosevelt. You’ve probably heard of him. He’s on the Mount Rushmore of Mount Rushmores. You know what his motto was? ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick.’

“Seems people have forgot that first part these days.”

Now, on to this week’s picks.

Highlands (3-3) at Freeport (6-0): This looks like the toughest test for the Yellowjackets yet. In their last three games, the Golden Rams have two wins and a respectable loss to Imani Christian. The Birdie thinks Freeport just has too much firepower, but he’s not 100% sure of that. Freeport, 28-13

Latrobe (2-4) at Kiski Area (2-4): When these two evenly matched teams collide, a big play from Aven Shirley will make the difference. Kiski Area, 21-14

North Hills (1-5) at Plum (2-4): After losses to powers Pine-Richland and Penn-Trafford the last two weeks, it’s time for the Mustangs to put a foot down and reestablish the run. Plum, 33-20

Knoch (0-6) at Mars (5-1): The Greater Allegheny gauntlet doesn’t let up for the Knights. Mars is a legit WPIAL title contender. Mars, 34-6

Valley (0-6) at Burrell (2-4): The Vikings can sting opponents with a big play, but if the Bucs limit mistakes, they’ll be in a good spot. Burrell, 27-19

Steel Valley (4-2) at Apollo-Ridge (4-2): The Birdie is thrilled that the Vikings are finally getting the success they deserve. He likes the way they play, too. But Da’Ron Barksdale is just so dangerous. Steel Valley, 25-21

Frazier (3-3) at Leechburg (4-1): After an unwanted week off, Tim Andrasy and the Blue Devils are going to be shot out of a cannon. Leechburg, 44-6

Riverview (4-2) at Brentwood (2-4): A win over Greensburg Central Catholic had massive potential playoff implications for the Raiders. Now’s not the time to stub their toe. Riverview, 27-7

Springdale (0-4) at Clairton (4-1): This is just about the worst-case scenario for a Springdale team lacking healthy players. The Bears haven’t given up a point since Week Zero. Clairton, 50-0

Deer Lakes (1-5) at Beaver (3-3): The Birdie is sure the Lancers will do everything in their power to stop the slide, but Beaver is way better than its record indicates. Its losses are to Mars, Imani Christian and Central Valley. Beaver, 22-6

Fox Chapel (2-4) at Franklin Regional (0-6): The Foxes will be back on level footing after the Pine-Richland matchup last week, but the Panthers have to be an ornery bunch after three straight losses in one-score games. Franklin Regional, 27-24

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Beaver, Brentwood, Burrell, Clairton, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional, Frazier, Freeport, Highlands, Kiski Area, Knoch, Latrobe, Leechburg, Mars, North Hills, Plum, Riverview, Springdale, Steel Valley, Valley