The time has come for the Birdie to tweet.

The Alle-Kiski Valley's fearless, feathered football expert has decided to hop on the micro-blogging, social-networking bandwagon and join Twitter.

"You still won't know who I am, fans, but this Twitter thing has really caught my attention and I am ready to get tweeting," said the Birdie, who finished with a 97-23 (.808) record predicting games last season.

"That's well above .500 Pirates fans. Get in line and follow greatness. You want to know who's going to win• Then you better follow me."

Fans can follow the Birdie at: @TheBirdie_VND .

Jack Dorsey, the creator of Twitter, might have had the Birdie in mind when he said, "...we came across the word 'twitter', and it was just perfect. The definition was 'a short burst of inconsequential information,' (like) 'chirps from birds'."

The Birdie plans to tweet often, chatting about local teams and storylines, while following up on his predictions. And he encourages feedback and interaction.

"My tweet game will be the envy of everyone in the Valley, even the schools with the most Twitters, like Riverview and Freeport.

"What would a true Birdie be if he didn't tweet?"

And now, the Birdie's Week 1 picks:

Burrell at Valley

Two new coaching eras begin and one will get the upper hand. Burrell seems to have a more balanced attack, but Valley is #desperate to snap a 14-game losing streak. Burrell, 21-14

Ford City at Kittanning

Ford City has a slim, one-game edge in the all-time series but the Sabers should be able to add to that lead against its bitter #rival. Ford City, 24-14

Freeport at Highlands

Highlands appears to have a #size advantage up front, which should help the Golden Rams move the ball on the ground. Freeport has big-play ability. Highlands, 28-24

Springdale at North Catholic

Springdale has won its last two season openers, and that #trend should continue behind a talented, three-pronged running attack should move the ball well against the unranked Trojans. Springdale, 28-12

Wilkinsburg at Riverview

Riverview brings in portable #lights twice a year and usually fares well in the shadows of Riverside Park. Riverview, 20-8

Bethel Park at Kiski Area

Kiski Area has the potential to make noise in the Quad East, but needs to get its brutally #toughschedule started with a victory. Kiski Area, 21-17

Brashear at Knoch

Knoch had a high-powered offense through the early portion of last season and the Knights have the #potential to light up the scoreboard again. Knoch, 35-7

Brentwood at Deer Lakes

Last year's game was a defensive gem, with Brentwood winning, 3-0. Look for more #offense this time, with the Lancers pleasing the home crowd. Deer Lakes, 6-0

Carmichaels at Leechburg

Leechburg will attempt to run a double-wing offense under new coaching, but that offense will need time to #develop. Carmichaels, 24-12

Indiana at Apollo-Ridge

Apollo-Ridge will have its hands full with the Little Indians, but a new coaching staff will make sure the Vikings have a good #showing. Indiana, 21-12

Fox Chapel at Baldwin

Fox Chapel needs to start games #faster than it did last year, and it has the ability to move the ball behind its quarterback and line. Baldwin's running game is underrated. Fox Chapel, 17-14

Franklin Regional at Plum

This is an #unheralded rivalry game, but Franklin Regional looks to have a strong edge at the skill positions and lines. Franklin Regional, 26-14

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