The Birdie offers a little bit of everything for Westmoreland County teams

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 | 6:18 PM

Last week: 7-5 (.583)

Season: 23-11 (.676)

The Birdie was having lunch with a friend recently (no, it wasn’t Tom Hanks, Huddie Kaufman or Le’Veon Bell). The pair discussed a myriad of topics related to local high school football.

They had just been rained out at the driving range where Birdie said he had to “Moose up” his drives. He is a big fan of long-drive pro Justin Moose of North Huntingdon and took out his frustration from a bad week (7-5) on a large bucket.

“We dined at the New City Buffet in Greensburg which, by all accounts, is one of the favorite Chinese eateries of a number of county teams, I’m told — and one of mine, too,” Birdie said. “They restock the egg rolls and frog legs, heck, everything else, too, when those linemen come strolling through the door.”

The Birdie asked to serve this week’s column buffet-style, with a little bit of everything. Free refills, of course.

“As the late, great Burt Reynolds once said, ‘You can only hold your stomach in for so many years,’ Birdie said.

• The Birdie brought up how strong some of the area’s quarterbacks are: “Dual-threats,” he said. “Like that sweet and sour chicken. Doubly good passers and runners. Penn-Trafford, Jeannette, Norwin, they all got ’em.”

• He also mentioned how some players are out of position but still helping teams win. “Some guys are hurt, so they move someone over, and he fits right in,” he said. “Like the pizza, wings, ribs and enchiladas on this here buffet. Not quite like the rest of the buffet but still scrumptious to this fella.”

• “I love Greensburg Central Catholic’s new black helmets. Top notch. Nice matte finish, like my toe nails during mandals season.” Birdie gets a “Hey, we’re eating,” from the friend.

• Schools need to spend more on air conditioning and less on scoreboards.

• Jeannette is the real deal. More offensive depth than last year’s team.

• Monessen is a lot better than last year. So is Southmoreland.

• There are too many Big East conferences. “More of those than there are Dave Keefers,” he said.

Now, it is finally time for his Week 3 predictions. “Feel free to load up your plates and come back for seconds,” Birdie said. “Time for your fortune cookie at the end.”

Hempfield (1-2, 0-2) at Central Catholic (2-1, 1-1)

Central Catholic is huge up front, and while Hempfield also has size, it lacks depth. Central Catholic, 35-14

Chartiers Valley (2-1) at Norwin (2-1)

Norwin has too much talent, Birdie said, to lose another one at home. Norwin, 27-17

Latrobe (0-3, 0-1) at Gateway (3-0, 2-0)

Latrobe hooked its tee shot over by the lake and there are Gators everywhere. “Just hit another one,” Birdie said. Gateway, 45-10

Penn-Trafford (1-2, 1-1) at McKeesport (3-0, 2-0)

The Birdie thinks Penn-Trafford can keep it close for a while, but speed will put the Tigers over the top. McKeesport, 30-20

West Mifflin (2-1) at Franklin Regional (2-0)

Franklin Regional long has been a staunch defensive team, and the Panthers will prove that in a playoff atmosphere. Franklin Regional, 14-7

Greensburg Salem (1-2) at South Fayette (2-1)

The Golden Lions have played well at home but will get a major test in their first road game. South Fayette, 32-14

Belle Vernon (1-1, 0-1) at Laurel Highlands (2-1, 0-0)

Belle Vernon leaves the Beach this week for the mountains, but the Leopards will still enjoy the view. Belle Vernon, 33-13

Derry (3-0, 1-0) at Mt. Pleasant (1-2, 1-0)

The Birdie likes all-county matchups because “That’s what high school football is all about.” He likes Derry. A lot. Derry, 30-13

Yough (1-2, 1-1) at Deer Lakes (1-1, 1-1)

The Birdie admits to getting lost while driving to each of these schools. He thinks Yough finds its way to the end zone in this one. Yough, 22-21

Beth-Center (3-0, 2-0) at Southmoreland (2-1, 1-1)

Southmoreland showed the Birdie up last week, but big Beth-Center will stay hot. Beth-Center, 38-8

Jeannette (3-0) at Avella (1-2)

If the Birdie played for Jeannette, he might get a carry in this game. The backups will be in early. “I know, Jayhawks, you made me eat crow. You’re welcome.” Jeannette, 48-6

Leechburg (2-1, 0-1) at Greensburg Central Catholic (2-1, 1-1)

The Birdie thinks GCC can be a playoff team. He likes a bounce-back win. GCC, 22-12

Jefferson-Morgan (1-2, 1-1) at Monessen (2-0, 1-0)

Monessen looks like a contender in the Tri-County South. Monessen, 34-14

Tags: Belle Vernon, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Yough