Technology goes to Birdie's head

The Birdie never has been one to embrace change, be it through spread offenses, futuristic uniforms or — this one really chaps his tail feathers — technology.

“I'm old-school,” he said.

But the A-K Valley's high-school football connoisseur saw something he liked at a Highlands practice and decided to use it to his advantage.

“The quarterback had one of those high-tech cameras on top of his helmet,” Birdie said. “I figured there must be something to it, so I found my old Arriflex ST camcorder in the garage and got it running again.”

The Birdie figured filming practices would be a good way to scout local teams before the season starts. But disaster struck when he attempted to tape the 25-pound camera to the top of his Sam Albert bucket hat.

“It stayed there for about a 30 seconds, then it tilted over and fell forward — and it took me with it,” Birdie said.

Down the bleachers went The Birdie. An ice pack replaced his hat. The camera was broken, never having been turned on.

“Mama Birdie always told me not to get a swelled head — no matter how many correct games I predict,” Birdie said.

Now for old tweet-tweet's Week 1 picks:

Friday

Valley at Burrell

Valley has one of its more skilled offensive teams and should move the ball.

Valley, 20-12

Summit at Highlands

Highlands looked good in its last scrimmage, especially on defense.

Highlands, 22-8

Deer Lakes at West Shamokin

Deer Lakes' big line has received a lot of attention, but will it show up?

Deer Lakes, 14-13

Freeport at S.S. Academy

Freeport's defense has to catch up to offense when it comes to potential.

Freeport, 28-14

Keystone Oaks at Apollo-Ridge

Owens Field has become a trap for visiting teams, and the bait is set.

Apollo-Ridge, 30-13

Hollidaysburg at Armstrong

The River Hawks will soar in their opener, and their jerseys will fit this week.

Armstrong, 21-10

Knoch at Franklin Regional

FR is more sound on defense.

Franklin Regional, 23-13

Hempfield at Plum

There's a new vibe around Plum.

Plum, 27-14

Kiski Area at Penn-Trafford

Kiski Area won't have the firepower to stay with P-T.

Penn-Trafford, 34-7

North Hills at Fox Chapel

The Foxes will need some games to learn new systems.

North Hills, 13-7

Serra Catholic at Springdale

Springdale shouldn't have any issues running the ball.

Springdale, 20-6

Wilkinsburg at Leechburg

Anyone have a quarter to flip?

Leechburg, 15-8

Saturday

Jeannette at Riverview

It will be a Saturday stroll in the park for Jeannette.

Jeannette, 22-7