The Birdie is feeling underappreciated as the regular season heads down the final stretch.
"I come within a game of going undefeated two weeks in a row, and I hear nothing from my fanbase," Birdie said, holding a Heisman pose in the center of the newsroom. "No cards, no emails, no love. You people are tough to please. I always appreciate your readership.
"That's OK. I'm still going to Dairy Queen to celebrate."
With all of the appreciation days lately, the Birdie wants his flowers, too.
He is calling for National Birdie Appreciation Day to be part of the 2026 calendar.
"At least give me one of those stars on a sidewalk near the courthouse," he said.
Despite his credo, he has acknowledged numerous appreciation days.
Such as?
"Well, Sept. 5 was National Cheese Pizza Day," he said. "I ate five of them. With pepperoni."
One time of recognition irked him in particular. It was the PIAA's officials appreciation week.
"All of you posting your disingenuous photos on the socials of you and referees always gets me," Birdie said. "You make it about you, not the refs. One second, you're their fake best buddy. The next you're calling them boogers. If you want to appreciate a ref, tell them thanks and show some respect. You'll be surprised; you might get a call or two."
Mt. Lebanon (2-7) at Norwin (6-3): Norwin is trending in the right direction going into the playoffs. The Knights will pay their respects to the crumbling Castle with a "W." Norwin, 26-18
Franklin Regional (1-8) at Armstrong (3-6): It's been a tough go for Franklin Regional, and the Panthers are looking to turn the page to a new offseason. Armstrong, 19-13
Latrobe (2-7) at Penn-Trafford (8-1): Penn-Trafford could choose to rest starters, but the Warriors will make sure they have a cushion first if they do in the Prady Bowl. Penn-Trafford, 30-14
Trinity (5-4) at Belle Vernon (3-5): Trinity beat Thomas Jefferson and Chartiers Valley. Belle Vernon lost to both teams. You do the math. Trinity, 20-19
Greensburg Salem (3-6) at Southmoreland (8-1): Southmoreland will put its foot down on defense early and keep the Golden Lions quiet. Southmoreland, 21-10
Mt. Pleasant (5-4) at Elizabeth Forward (8-1): It will take a mistake-free effort from Mt. Pleasant to stay close with the Warriors. It's too much to ask on the road. Elizabeth Forward, 31-13
Yough (2-7) at Derry (5-4): A couple of old-school programs going in different directions. Derry has too much size. Derry, 35-14
Ligonier Valley (1-8) at Apollo-Ridge (6-3): Apollo-Ridge will use this one for a playoff tuneup. The Rams should get JV players some playing time with an eye toward next year. Apollo-Ridge, 23-12
Cornell (5-4) at Monessen (5-4): A few big plays will be what separates Monessen in a well-matched Black Hills finale. Monessen, 28-22
Leechburg (6-2) at Greensburg Central Catholic (4-5): Leechburg's running game is powerful. GCC won't be able to contain it for four quarters. The Blue Devils hold back the Centurions. Leechburg, 36-27
Riverview (4-4) at Jeannette (6-3): Jeannette will find a passing rhythm early and outwork the Raiders' secondary. Jeannette, 28-18
Gateway (3-6) at Hempfield (4-5): Hempfield's last home game did not go well, but the Spartans have a chance to redeem themselves and end the season on a high note. Gateway won't allow it. Gateway, 24-14