The Birdie thinks A-K Valley teams resemble scary movies
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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
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