The stage is set in Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. Trying to become the first team to win back-to-back Championships since the New England Patriots in 2005, the Seattle Seahawks and the Legion of Boom prepare to kickoff against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Coming into the playoffs, each team possessed the first seed in their respective brackets.
The path for the Seahawks was no easy task. First, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers came into town. The Hawks easily handled the Panthers and won 31-17.
Next, Aaron Rodgers and the Cheeseheads from Green Bay rolled in to Seattle for what would be one of the best comebacks in playoff history. Heading into the second half, the Packers led 16-0. After scoring on a Russell Wilson run to cut the deficit to 19-14 with less than 3 minutes left, the Seahawks needed an onside kick recovery to have a chance. After recovering the kick, the Seahawks took the lead with a 24-yard Marshawn Lynch touchdown. The game went into overtime, and on the first possession, Russell Wilson and Jermaine Kearse hooked up on a 35-yard touchdown pass to win the game and earn a trip to Super Bowl XLIX.
The Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 35-31, with the help of a Julian Edelman touchdown throw, to advance to the AFC Conference Championship against Andrew Luck’s Colts. With the advantage of a 7 point spread and a fan base of loyal Bostonians (and perhaps deflated footballs), Brady’s bunch was able to take down Indianapolis 45-7.
On Feb. 1, the Seahawks and Patriots will play in University of Phoenix Stadium. After dismantling Peyton Manning and the Broncos last year, the Seahawks will hope to do the same against another legendary quarterback in Tom Brady. As for the Patriots, Brady and Belichick are seeking to solidify their place in Canton, Ohio.
Here are some of Schreiber’s coaches’ picks for the Super Bowl XLIX champion:
“Seattle’s defense is excellent and they are peaking at the right time. Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Patriots, is one of the all time greats and so is Bill Belichick, their coach. Both are going to be hall of famers, but defense wins championships in the NFL. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch will have enough offense to win. Seattle wins.”
-Mr. Joe DelGais, Boys Bowling
“I predict that the Patriots will play the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Tom Brady and company will win to stop Seattle from a repeat.”
-Mr. Kevin Braddish, Girls Bowling
“Seahawks vs Broncos and Seahawks win! Seattle will win. They have a top defense. Defense wins games.”
-Mr. Jeremiah Pope, Girls Track
“Offense wins games, defense wins Championships, but turnovers always depict the outcome. Seattle doesn’t turn it over and it by far has the best defense out there and can control the clock, hard to beat them.”
-Mr. Joe Migliano, Girls Track
“It is hard to go against Seattle, but I am picking the Colts in a thriller!”
-Mr. Dennis Trottier, Girls Basketball
“Seattle will win over New England this year.”
-Ms. Talia Morales, Gymnastics
“Seahawks will win in this year’s Super Bowl.”
-Mr. Anthony Schettino, Wrestling