Last week: 8-2 (80%)

Season: 74-20 (78.7%)

The Birdie walked into the office Monday with a stern look on his face and purpose in his stride.

“I know people have come to expect witty banter from me before I make my picks, but bro, this is Week 10,” he said. “It’s crunch time. No more fooling around.

“I had a whole routine worked up about those jagoffs at GetGo deciding to charge three bucks for air for your tires, but that’s going on the shelf. We have serious business to attend to this week. I want to talk about the player of the year in the A-K Valley.

“Obviously Tevin Owen-Cratsenberg is the favorite. The Birdie isn’t blind. Ever watch this kid’s highlight reel? It’s a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare.

“You know what impresses me most — besides his 2,300 yards and 30 touchdowns, of course? His instincts. On his long touchdown runs, he’s not usually beating guys to the edge or hitting them with the truck stick (though he can do both of those things). He understands pursuit angles instinctively and leaves defenders grasping at air.

“We’re going to be watching him play on Saturdays, that much I can guarantee.

“So he’ll probably be named player of the year, and rightfully so, but here’s the thing. Man, there are some other great candidates.

“Run TOC leads the WPIAL in rushing yards? Cool. Plum’s John Nonnenberg leads the district in passing yards (2,404) and Semaj Robinson leads in receiving yards (1,077). In most years, either would be a great POY award winner.

“Birdie’s got another candidate, too. Chris Dailey’s got Apollo-Ridge on the brink of a conference title. He’s listed at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds. They must be using Darnell Washington’s scale. He’s a big dude with a big arm and a big resume filled with big plays.

“So peep that top four, but remember this. None of those guys play on the best team in the A-K Valley. That’s Freeport. Want to argue the point? Guess who Apollo-Ridge’s one loss was to? Guess who one of Highlands’ two losses was to.

“If you wanted to make an MVP case for Danny King, The Birdie would think you know ball, too.

“Bottom line: That’s what the 2026 football season in the A-K Valley will be remembered for. It’s the year of star power.

“Now let’s get to the Week 10 picks.”

Connellsville (4-5) at Fox Chapel (1-8): Connellsville’s return to the WPIAL has been pretty successful. Foxes got their hands full. Connellsville, 34-17

Ligonier Valley (8-1) at Apollo-Ridge (8-1): The Rams are a great rags-to-riches tale, but the Vikings aren’t here for storytime. Apollo-Ridge, 21-6

Pine-Richland (8-1) at Plum (6-3): The Mustangs’ schedule has increased in difficulty pretty much every week. The Rams are the final boss. Pine-Richland, 40-20

Kiski Area (2-7) at Indiana (3-6): It’s hard to picture the Cavaliers sneaking into a wild-card spot, but they can go into the offseason on a positive note. Kiski Area, 23-21

Burrell (6-3) at Freeport (8-1): Burrell is a strong wild-card contender even with a loss, especially if it’s a close game, which is what The Birdie expects. Freeport, 28-21

Knoch (5-4) at Deer Lakes (2-7): Lancers almost pulled off the upset The Birdie predicted last week. They’ll get a ‘W’ this time. Deer Lakes, 34-27

North Catholic (6-3) at Highlands (6-2): A perennially powerful pass game against the WPIAL’s top rusher. Birdie’s old school. Highlands, 27-24

Leechburg (0-8) at Springdale (1-6): Remember that stretch early in the season when the teams that needed a win got one? Now it’s the Blue Devils’ turn. Leechburg, 27-6

Riverview (2-7) at Brentwood (3-6): A tough call, but the Spartans have the best win on either team’s resume, a victory over Monessen. Brentwood, 21-20

Waynesburg Central (7-2) at Valley (2-7): A tough nonconference draw for the Vikings. The Raiders are legit. Waynesburg Central, 34-14