The Birdie
Last week: 9-3 (.750)
Season: 42-18 (.700)
The A-K Valley's high school football expert likes to play golf three to four times a week, usually to escape a bad week of picks.
Birdie: "And weekends.. I love playing at The Links at Spring Church. Love the greens. I can stop by Apollo-Ridge on the way and check up on the Vikings. I also like Birdsfoot,. But they messed up. They should have called it Birdiefoot. "
The Birdie, who is still reeling after that thrilling Avonworth-Springdale game last week, was excited when he made his first eagle of the season at Buffalo Golf Course.
"I was heading up to Freeport's practice to get a sneak peak at the Yellowjackets' defense, but I decided to stop off for a quick nine. I hit a big drive on No. 13, but it went into the trees on the right. I pitched out with a 6-iron, then drained my pitch shot from about 30 yards. It was a sweet tweeter."
The Birdie decided to report his big shot to the media.
"I called the miraculous hole-out into a competing newspaper. The guy on the phone said, 'Name?' I said, 'Birdie." He said, 'No, for the eagle. you made.' I laughed and said, 'a Birdie made an eagle.' Then, I hung up on him."
The Birdie plans to check out Shady Side at Ford City, Valley at Freeport and Indiana at Highlands this week.
"If I make it back.,that is. I tee off at 2 on Friday. You never know, I may play 36."
Now, Week 6, from the back tees.
Shady Side Academy at Ford City
This has the makings of a classic. Tough running backs, good receivers and big-play capability. Defense wins it.
Ford City, 22-19
Valley at Freeport
These teams have a tendency to play close games. There's been a lot of talk about Freeport's defense, but Valley's 'D' ain't bad, either.
Valley, 19-14
Fox Chapel at Plum
Fox Chapel broke into the Trib's Top-10 rankings this week and that will give the Foxes confidence against the Mustangs.
Fox Chapel, 27-20
Burrell at Apollo-Ridge
Burrell had Shady Side Academy on the ropes, but couldn't deliver the knock-out punch. Maybe they saved it for Apollo-Ridge.
Burrell, 31-19
Indiana at Highlands
Highlands has kept it going for five weeks behind a strong line and patient linebackers. Indiana lost to Hampton last week, but the Indians are still a good team.
Highlands, 23-14
Knoch at Hampton
Knoch is showing flashes of the team it was last season, but the Knights have to improve on defense to get he job done.
Knoch, 14-7
Riverview at Brentwood
Riverview has put up some major points in the last two games. Look for the offense to keep surging.
Riverview, 26-18
Deer Lakes at Kittanning
Kittanning doesn't pull any punches. The Wildcats are going to run the ball. Problem is, they have more than one good running back.
Kittanning, 21-13
Springdale at Leechburg
The Birdie thought the paper was too hard on Springdale after that botched field-goal try last week. The Dynamos are a good football team and outplayed Avonworth.
Springdale, 28-7
Woodland Hills at Kiski Area
Woodland Hills has played a very strong schedule. The Wolverines will take out their frustration on banged-up Kiski Area.
Woodland Hills, 26-14
