2 · SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 INDEX HIGH SCHOOLFOOTBALLGAMEPLAN2017 Belle Vernon 17 Derry 23 Franklin Regional 10 Greensburg Central Catholic 30 Greensburg Salem 20 Hempfield 4 Jeannette 32 Latrobe 12 Ligonier Valley 35 Monessen 34 Mt. Pleasant 24 Norwin 7 Penn-Trafford 14 Southmoreland 26 Yough 27 The Tribune-Review welcomes you to GAMEPLAN 2017, an in-depth look at the upcoming high school football season in Western Pa. The tabloid includes coverage of local schools, as well as classification breakdowns with rankings, players to watch and games to watch. It is designed to serve as a reference for the Trib’s high school football fans throughout the season. Starting Thursday, the Trib will begin its expanded game previews in THURSDAY GAMEPLAN, a look at the week’s top games, players to watch and statistical leaders. We will take you fromWeek Zero through the PIAA finals. ... And don’t forget to pick up your Tribune-Review newspaper every Saturday for complete coverage of Friday night’s action and visit our website: Triblive.com/sports/hssports. SPORTS EDITOR | Kevin Smith HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS EDITOR | Bill Hartlep DESIGNERS | Brady Hunter, Melanie Wass HIGH SCHOOL STAFF WRITERS | Bill Beckner Jr., Matt Grubba, Doug Gulasy, Chris Harlan, Michael Love, Paul Schofield HIGH SCHOOL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | George Guido, Drew Karpen, Dave Mackall, Jerin Steele, William Whalen PHOTOGRAPHERS | Shane Dunlap, Ken Eber, Jack Fordyce, Kyle Hodges, Louis Raggiunti, Christian Tyler Randolph, Ken Reabe Jr., Louis B. Ruediger, Dan Speicher, Michael Swensen ON THE COVER: Derry’s Tyre Harris and Ligonier Valley’s Jackson Daugherty hope to lead their teams to another historic season. The Birdie makes his way toWestmoreland County Roll the drums and sound the trumpets. There’s a new sheriff in town. Well, sheriff is a stretch. “I just pick football games, but I’m the best in the business,” said the Birdie, the Tribune-Review’s newhigh school football expert. “I am new to the area, but I know how important the Friday night lights are toWestmoreland County. I don’t make campaign promises. I don’t shake hands or kiss babies. I just tell it like it is. No fake news here. I will tell youwho’s going to win each week and why.” The Birdie has been warming up to the county over the summer and touring the area. He attended the Westmoreland Fair, where he got chased by a rodeo bull and got sick after eating 12 funnel cakes. “He almost got me,” Birdie said. “Hopefully, I don’t get chased out of town by you fans. That can’t possibly happen, right? That’d be like getting ejected froman all-star game.” He also took in some area sites. He went to Steelers camp and Idlewild, played some golf (he was the only birdie on the scorecard), went to the drive-in with Mrs. Birdie, and bought some cool Tshirts at the mall. He watched the eclipse from a water tower behind Jeannette’s McKee Stadium. “I even went to this axe-throwing place on Route 30,” he said. “Yikes. I’m staying clear of that joint if I lose games.” Birdie thinks some area teams will have high-powered offenses that will pile up the points. “Watch Penn-Trafford, Norwin, Hempfield and Jeannette; they’re going to score a ton,” he said. “And Ligonier Valley still has playmakers. We’re going to see some highlights.” Now that he’s introduced himself, it’s time to go to work. The Birdie might lack a ride to the office but never lacks confidence. “Here’s the best part,” he said. “I’m 0-0. Like, all-time. I have never lost a game. And remember, when they say a little birdie told them ... yep, that’s me.” And nowhis regular-season predictions for area teams: Belle Vernon Seven starters return on offense but one of them isn’t the quarterback. We’ll see if someone can “do the job.” Record: 5-4 Playoffs? Yes Derry After a magical run last season, the Trojans have one chore of an encore. Won’t be easy. Record: 4-6 Playoffs? No Franklin Regional Expect nothing less than the usual in Murrysville: tough kids and sound football. Record: 6-3 Playoffs? Yes GreensburgCentral Catholic A new regime will need some time to get their project off the ground. Record: 1-9 Playoffs? No GreensburgSalem Too many question marks hanging with this team, and you can’t have many uncertainties in their conference. Record: 3-7 Playoffs? No Hempfield Look for the passing game to sling it around nicely — if that young line can come together quickly. Record: 6-4 Playoffs? Yes Jeannette This could be the team that finally solves Clairton, and there will be big plays along the road to Week 9. Record: 8-1 Playoffs? Yes Latrobe There will be improvements but the Wildcats won’t completely turn a corner. Record: 2-8 Playoffs? No Ligonier Valley After a thrilling playoff run — they still are cleaning up confetti — the Rams have the potential to stay in the fast lane. Record: 8-2 Playoffs? Yes Monessen It’s going to be an uphill battle for a new coach and his team to return to the WPIAL postseason. Record: 2-8 Playoffs? No Mt. Pleasant A lot has changed for the Vikings, yet so much has stayed the same. Like the team staying competitive. Record: 5-5 Playoffs? Yes Norwin With an athletic group and skill positions looking strong, the Knights can score. But how about that defense? Record: 7-3 Playoffs? Yes Penn-Trafford Size, speed and experience all up the ante in Harrison City. Record: 8-2 Playoffs? Yes Southmoreland Low numbers have been a problem for the Scotties, who need to find more ways to score this season. Record: 1-8 Playoffs? No Yough With big-time size up front, the Cougars could sneak up on some teams, barring mistakes. Record: 5-5 Playoffs? Yes Jeannette’s Oakley Tyger (left)
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