The Birdie falling back in love with Leopards, the last Westmoreland County title hopefuls

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 11:01 AM

Last week: 3-0 (100%)

Season: 106-28 (79.1%)

The pigeons are back at Acrisure Stadium. Now, can the Birdie get there again?

His only hope is the Belle Vernon Leopards, who are the last Westmoreland County team left in the WPIAL playoffs.

And then there was one.

“I had a blast last year following those Leps to the North Shore and across the state to Mechanicsburg,” Birdie said, running his fingers through the pinchy stubble he calls a playoff beard that he has fashioned for the postseason. “Can BVA make it a repeat? My 8-ball sure thinks so.”

The Birdie splashes on some of Quinton Martin’s cologne and puts on his Matt Humbert straw hat and sits down to watch Belle Vernon highlights.

“As the kiddos say, tape don’t lie,” Birdie said, picking up a remote control and bumping the play button. “Look here. The line knows their keys and gaps, the QB cadence is like music, and the defense is hitting harder than it has all season. That is called experience, and Belle Vernon has it. It is their time to shine again.”

To this week’s 3A semifinal …

East Allegheny (9-2) vs. Belle Vernon (9-1) at Norwin: The Birdie likes East Allegheny’s athleticism and speed, but he doesn’t think the Wildcats will move the ball much against a Leopards defense he believes is one of the best in the state. He looks for swarming pressure on the quarterback, a loaded box and a forced turnover or two to give Belle Vernon the keys to the Cadillac in this one. Belle Vernon, 34-13

Tags: Belle Vernon