Times have changed as The Birdie makes his Westmoreland County Week 3 picks

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 8:30 PM

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Last week: 9-3 (75%)

Season: 27-7 (79%)

The Birdie had his high school class reunion recently and ran into an old teammate.

“Let’s call him ‘Mauler’ (we like to protect identities around here) because he played middle linebacker and led our team in sacks and ejections our senior year,” Birdie said. “As a fourth-string long snapper, I had a great view of his riotous disorder.”

Anyway … Mauler moved out of state and has been out of the local football loop for decades.

It was like the Twilight Zone for old No. 58, who played semi-pro ball until his knees gave out.

“Mauler was ready to give me a purple nurple when I started to give him the rundown on our teams,” Birdie said. “He couldn’t believe Latrobe was on the cover of a preview tabloid, or that Southmoreland, Norwin, Yough and Greensburg Salem have winning records. He thought I was messing with him. ‘Nuh-uh. No way, dude,’ he said, shoving me into the apps table.

“Then, after he put me down from a wedgie, he goes, ‘Does the Trib still have that dumb guy who picks the games? I hope they got rid of that flapjack. He hated us. He picked boogers better than games.’ ”

The Birdie pretended to take a call on his cell and gingerly tip-toed away from Mauler.

“I didn’t tell him the paper not only has a prognosticator but that it calls him the Birdie,” he said. “I ducked out of there before Mauler wanted to arm wrestle.”

The Birdie hopes to push around this week’s games, which include some odd nonconference matchups.

Predictions in 3, 2, …

North Allegheny (3-0) at Hempfield (1-2): Hempfield won’t be able to match the Tigers up front and will get worn down by the run and a nonstop pass rush. The Birdie didn’t give the Spartans any love last week, but he likes their improvements. North Allegheny, 35-14

Seneca Valley (0-2) at Norwin (2-1): Norwin is not afraid of returning to 6A, but the Knights need to start stacking wins in the conference to validate this start. Norwin, 23-12

Latrobe (3-0) at Franklin Regional (2-1): The Birdie has been eyeing this conference opener for weeks. He loves a good defensive “slobber knocker,” to quote poet Craig Wolfley, and this one won’t disappoint. Latrobe, 24-14

Woodland Hills (1-2) at Penn-Trafford (2-1): Penn-Trafford won’t be able to slow the Wolverines’ receivers on the perimeter, but it will be a good game. Buckle your chin straps. Woodland Hills, 28-21

Shady Side Academy (1-2) at Ligonier Valley (1-2): If Ligonier Valley can seal off the edges and keep the Bulldogs north-to-south, it can keep pace. If not, it could be a tough night. Shady Side Academy, 22-18

Serra Catholic (0-3) at Monessen (3-0): Even after Monessen piled up yards and points the first few weeks, the Greyhounds want to prove they’re back with conference wins. Monessen, 49-19

Frazier (1-2) at Jeannette (3-0): Jeannette will open conference play the way it opened the season: with big plays downfield. Jeannette, 38-8

Belle Vernon (1-0) at McKeesport (0-3): If you like hard hits and good coaching, tune in. You’ll see a lot of both. Belle Vernon, 14-13

Blackhawk (1-1) at Southmoreland (3-0): The scoreboard at Russ Grimm Field is going to need new light bulbs after this one. Southmoreland, 42-27

Derry (1-2) at Burrell (0-3): Burrell will take advantage of the field-position battle and just get by the visiting Trojans. Burrell, 19-17

Greensburg Salem (3-0) at Ringgold (1-2): Greensburg Salem has been good at home, now let’s see what the Lions can do on the road. Look for the defense to get a surge. Greensburg Salem, 27-19

Mt. Pleasant (2-1) at Ambridge (1-1): Mt. Pleasant should be able to establish the run, but the defense will be tested early. Mt. Pleasant, 20-14

New Castle (2-0) at Yough (2-1): Yough has been solid out of the gates, but so has the Red Hurricane. New Castle will come a long way but drive home happy. New Castle, 34-14

Greensburg Central Catholic (1-1) at Clairton (3-0): Clairton has one of its better teams, and that is a scary sight for any team in Class A. GCC will score but not nearly enough. Clairton, 40-16

Tags: Belle Vernon, Blackhawk, Burrell, Clairton, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Frazier, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, McKeesport, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, New Castle, North Allegheny, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Ringgold, Seneca Valley, Serra Catholic, Shady Side Academy, Southmoreland, Woodland Hills, Yough