Local predictions for Super Bowl LVII
Feb. 10—Super Bowl LVII will be played Sunday in the Phoenix area, as the Kansas City Chiefs match up against the Philadelphia Eagles.
While there are no direct Robeson County connections to the two teams, Fayetteville native Joshua Williams, who played cornerback at Jack Britt High School and Fayetteville State University, is on the Chiefs roster, and even had an interception late in the fourth quarter of the team's 23-20 AFC Championship victory against the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago.
Philadelphia defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 in the NFC Championship to reach Sunday's game.
With the eyes of the sports world set to descend on the big game, here is how a few members of the Robeson County football community predicts the matchup will play out:
Vonta Leach, Robeson County native and Super Bowl XLVII champion
"It's going to be a great game, but I think Philly will win 31-24."
Mark Hall, UNCP football coach
"I'm taking the Chiefs. They have the best QB on the planet and they have been in this moment two other times. I think that experience will prove to be beneficial. Also, I'm a diehard 49ers fan so I can't root for the Eagles after the loss against them two weeks ago."
Jeremy Carthen, Fairmont football coach
"My prediction for the champions of this Super Bowl is the Kansas City Chiefs. I cannot go against Patrick Mahomes, or my father-in-law David Ray. The Eagles are the most complete team — offensively, defensively and special teams. However, the Chiefs are experienced champions and that will have a level of comfort that will give them the advantage."
Dennis McFatten, Lumberton football coach
"Eagles — based on the stats of time of possession for the offense, and the low average of penalty yards that go against them shows they are an offense that is effective at doing what they do. Defensively they have the ability to match up with anyone giving their offense a huge advantage."
Stephen Roberson, Purnell Swett football coach
"I am picking the Eagles. I like their defensive line, and I think they control the game. Jalen Hurts outplays Mahomes. Eagles 31-24."
Tim Ray, Red Springs football coach
"My prediction is Eagles by a slim margin, 27-24. The Eagles have been tough all year when Hurts is on the field. It's tough to go against Pat (Mahomes) and the guys but I want Philly to take this game!"
Mike Setzer, St. Pauls football coach
"I think the Philadelphia Eagles will win because they have consistently played on a high level this season. Since my New York Giants are busy at home I have to pull for the NFC. Philadelphia 30, Kansas City 13."
Chris Stiles, The Robesonian sports editor
"Patrick Mahomes is the best football player on the planet today. Andy Reid is a top-10 coach of all-time. I can't come up with a reason to pick against the Eagles, which happens when two No. 1 seeds meet — but just as I learned to never pick against the Patriots during their run, the Chiefs have similarly become a team not to pick against until proven otherwise. They'll win close and make Mahomes becomes the first reigning league MVP to win the Super Bowl in 23 years."
