The Birdie welcomes Tom Hanks to Westmoreland County

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 | 7:18 PM

Last week: 11-3 (.786)

Season: 16-6 (.727

The Birdie likes to hang out at coffee shops during the week to mingle with — and eavesdrop on — the public to see what “the people” are saying about high school football. He likes to kick back and sip cold brews.

“Cold brews, I see what you did there,” Birdie said. “We’re talking about the coffee drink, people — although I do like a nice foam on my chilled java. And almond milk helps curb that bitter taste. No pumpkin spice for this guy.”

The endearing local football expert wandered into the Eastgate Starbucks in Greensburg recently and bumped into a celebrity: Tom Hanks.

The actor reportedly was in the area to do research in Latrobe for the upcoming film “You Are My Friend,” a 2019 movie about Fred Rogers, whom Hanks will portray. Filming is scheduled to start in the fall.

“There was some confusion as to if it was actually Hanks,” Birdie said. “Oh trust me, it was him. I confirmed with an employee. And I even know what he ordered: a tall, non-fat latte. Don’t forget, I am not just a football expert, I am also a trained reporter. I have sources. Birdie on the spot.

“Just think, two celebs in one Starbucks.”

He also thought Hanks may have been ducking into the shop to cool off.

Here’s what the little, yellow groupie had to say about Week 2, which he calls, “Big” for some teams.

Norwin (1-1, 0-1) at Hempfield (1-1, 0-1)

The Birdie really likes that Norwin passing game, but he also likes Hempfield’s running attack. The difference, he said, will be big plays. “Did you know the Hempfield coach’s son plays for Norwin?” Birdie said. Norwin, 28-14

Connellsville (1-1, 0-1) at Penn-Trafford (0-2, 0-1)

A homecoming game for Connellsville’s coach won’t come with all the “feely goods and nuzzle-ups,” the Birdie said. Penn-Trafford, 24-14

Franklin Regional (1-0, 1-0) at Latrobe (0-2, 0-0)

Franklin Regional’s defense is a lot better than the Birdie thought — “So is the offense, apparently.” Franklin Regional, 21-10

Thomas Jefferson (1-0, 1-0) at BVA (1-0, 0-0)

It’s rare to see a 1 vs. 2 rivalry in the county. An underrated rivalry between two well-run programs could be the best game of the week, Birdie said. He likes a game-winning field goal in a photo finish. Belle Vernon, 27-24

Mt. Pleasant (0-2, 0-0) at Yough (1-1, 1-0)

Speaking of great matchups, this is another one to watch. “Prepare for some good old-fashioned smashmouth gridiron,” Birdie said. “There will be some dirty finger nails, and they’ll be playing on turf.” Yough, 28-26

Southmoreland (1-1, 0-1) at Carmichaels (0-1, 0-1)

Southmoreland is much improved but will have a tough time moving the chains on the road. Carmichaels, 18-12

Greensburg CC (2-0, 1-0) at Clairton (1-0, 0-0)

For as upbeat as GCC has been in recent weeks and as oddly lukewarm as Clairton has felt, this could be a closer game than people think. But Clairton doesn’t lose at home very often. Clairton, 22-15

Imani Christian (2-0, 1-0) at Jeannette (2-0, 1-0)

The Birdie doesn’t want to see any extracurricular activity after the whistle like last year. He thinks Jeannette is talented, but gives the Saints the nod if they can keep their poise and limit penalties. Imani Christian, 42-36

Mars (2-0) at Greensburg Salem (1-1)

The Golden Lions are due for a win against a perennial power. It will take a crisp, clean effort to beat the Planets, but it’s very possible. Greensburg Salem, 14-13

South Park (0-1) at Derry (2-0)

The running game is like the Birdie at a buffet: hungry, tough to slow down and makes multiple trips to the red zone. Derry, 21-14

Springdale (0-1) at Monessen (1-0)

What is this, 2003? These old playoff foes used to trade punches on the road to Heinz. Monessen needs to get back its swagger against the Dynamos. Monessen, 22-18

Ligonier Valley (2-0) at United (1-1)

Ligonier Valley is just as dangerous on the road as it is at home. Ligonier Valley, 37-6

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