Wildcats Make Super Bowl Predictions

Football minds in Wilmington have spoken. The Wildcats are picking a Patriot win.

Wilmington High School football players John Parsons, Kyle Albanese, Matt Ferreira and head coach Mike Barry all believe the New England Patriots will topple the New York Giants tonight in Super Bowl 46.

“I expect a real dog fight because of the playoff rivalry that the teams have going back to 2007,” said Ferreira, who . “That’ll be in the back of the mind of the Patriots when they take the field. That’ll get a little extra fire in their belly.”

Ferreira predicts another close game, and picks the Patriots to come away with a 24-21 victory.

Not surprisingly, Albanese, a tight end, believes the play of the Patriots lethal tight end weapons will be the key to the game.

“I think it’s all about the Patriots getting the ball to their tight ends and getting the ball out quick. If they sit back in the pocket too long, they’ll get eaten up,” said Albanese, who said having the local team in the Super Bowl makes it an extra exciting day. “Overall it’s the biggest championship in sports. Having the hometown team in it gives you something extra to root for.”

Albanese, who is currently putting up a stellar season for the boys basketball team, also expects a close game and picks the Patriots for a 31-24 victory.

Running back John Parsons, , admitted that he doesn’t watch professional sports on television often because he enjoys playing the game instead.

Still, Parsons said he expects a reversal of Super Bowl 42, during which the Giants spoiled the Patriots attempt at a perfect season.

“Their defense is ranked as one of the lowest, but the offense is powerful enough that if the defense can hold even a few times, the offense is going to overpower,” said Parsons, who picks a 35-24 New England win.

As expected, Barry’s prediction for the game centers around the exact philosophy that he brings to his own team. 

“I think it comes down to what team makes fewer mistakes. If you look at the Patriots and the Giants, that’s why they got there,” said Barry, who thinks Tom Brady will come away as Super Bowl MVP after a 28-21 win. “It adds a ton to it having the Patriots in the game. Every year you’re really interested in the Super Bowl. You always watch. But this way, you get to look forward to it truly enjoy it.”