Last week: 11-2 (84.6%)

Season: 84-16 (84%)

The Birdie appreciates the simple things in life.

A home-cooked meal at Mama Birdie’s house.

A crisp, fall walk.

A real fullback.

A convenience store slot machine. (Well, that was fun while it lasted.)

But Westmoreland County’s preps pop star, fresh off a two-loss week, wants you to appreciate him more.

“I see all these photos on my socials of players posing with referees for officials appreciation week, month, whatever,” Birdie said. “I can see through the superficialness and fake smiles, but that’s OK. You got likes.

“What we need is a Birdie appreciation where you, my constant readers, show your genuine gratitude and regard for yours truly. Refs can make bad calls. I rarely do. See the difference? See what I did there?

“I just want my 15 minutes. You know, like Hempfield.”

Contrary to popular opinion, the Birdie doesn’t like to draw attention to himself. Even at Sheetz, when he sits down for an MTO lunch and his chair makes that dinosaur-like screech across the floor.

“Can’t I just eat in peace?” he said.

Speaking of making noise …

The Birdie recently took the wife to Fort Ligonier Days where he enjoyed a parade, live music and carried Mrs. Birdie’s assorted fall crafts around until his arms hurt.

Ligonier Valley has caught his eye — big time. He picked against the Rams last week and wishes he could walk it back.

“I talked with the locals about those Rams of theirs over some Aumer sandwiches and Cinnaroast cashews,” Birdie said. “They are pumped about this amazing turnaround, but mad at me for picking against them. Hey, I like this team. They’re gritty. They’re tough. They fit me like a new pair of cowboy boots. If I could call an audible and pick them to win last week, I would.

“Maybe I should get a photo with them.”

The fun is over for now. Week 9 beckons.

Norwin (4-4, 1-3) at Seneca Valley (2-5, 0-5): Norwin has too many injuries to make the playoff push that seemed so promising just a couple weeks ago. It’s turned into a bummer of a season for the Knights, but they aren’t packing it in. Norwin, 20-14

Franklin Regional (1-7, 1-4) at Connellsville (3-5, 0-4): It is lonely at the bottom of the Big East. But Franklin Regional will gain a little more separation with its second win. Franklin Regional, 28-24

Woodland Hills (5-3, 4-0) at Penn-Trafford (8-0, 4-0): The Birdie likes a good, hard-hitting matchup, and this one never disappoints. Penn-Trafford will get its first conference test but will pass it because of its depth. Penn-Trafford, 35-21

Belle Vernon (7-1, 4-0) at Waynesburg (7-1, 4-0): A very intriguing matchup that had the Birdie watching extra film on Waynesburg to make sure it is legit. He believes the Raiders are for real. Waynesburg, 20-17

Elizabeth Forward (7-1, 4-0) at Mt. Pleasant (4-4, 2-0): Injuries have decimated Mt. Pleasant, and that doesn’t bode well against a big-play team like the Warriors. Elizabeth Forward, 38-7

Southmoreland (2-6, 1-3) at Derry (2-6, 0-4): If Derry can get a push up front and get some points early, it can win by a couple of touchdowns. But a back-and-forth game might better favor the Scotties. This could be a grinder. Derry, 19-16

Ligonier Valley (8-0, 4-0) at Steel Valley (5-3, 4-1): The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Ligonier Valley, but that is the way football works. The Rams are for real, and the Birdie is convinced they are a contender. Ligonier Valley, 28-14

Monessen (5-3, 1-3) at Bentworth (3-4, 1-2): Monessen has dipped since its hot start, but Bentworth will be just what the Greyhounds need to get back on track for the stretch run. Monessen, 22-15

Clairton (6-2, 4-0) at Greensburg Central Catholic (6-2, 3-1): Clairton has had more time off than the Birdie in June. The Bears will be champing at the bit to get back to action. GCC will have to “Bear” down. Clairton, 36-14

Leechburg (0-8, 0-4) at Jeannette (6-2, 4-0): A matchup of teams whose combined roster numbers don’t equal half of a Class 6A team’s JV roster. Jeannette will get back on track. Jeannette, 27-10

Hempfield (5-3) at Latrobe (6-2): A fun nonconference game that begs the question: Should they rest their starters? The Birdie says no. This will be a big crowd that wants to see the big names. Hempfield, 34-24

Knoch (4-4) at Greensburg Salem (0-8): Greensburg Salem takes a break from conference play with another shot at victory. It will take a mistake-free effort, but the Birdie is, well, going out on a limb and calling the W. Greensburg Salem, 27-26