Local Patriots fans talk a good game

For the past three Sundays, New Englanders have shared one thing in common – football. Not how much those footballs weigh after the Patriots romped their previous opponent by 38 points, but the game itself on the grandest stage. The much-anticipated Super Bowl XLIX had Patriots fans in Greater Lynn craving for Sunday evening where Bill Belichick’s team squared off against the defending Super Bowl champs, Seattle Seahawks.That anticipation was rewarded with less than a minute to go in the game as the Patriots pulled out the most unlikely, heart-stopping win, beating the Seahawks, 28-24, to capture their first Super Bowl title in a decade.Sunday, when the sun began to set, local establishments, such as Rolly’s Tavern and The Lazy Dog in Wyoma Square, welcomed fans with cold drinks and warm entrees. Seats filled quickly as servers placed orders and shuffled between tables. Patriot fan gear, including the soon-to-be-legendary number 12, were scattered throughout the pubs.”The atmosphere around the bar has been very energetic. The crowd was amazing, and you could really feel the buildup when people were talking about it,” said bartender Diane Kennison of Rolly’s.Rolly’s offered a Super Bowl Sunday special, including barbecue ribs and nachos, for the occasion.”It’s definitely going to be an exciting game,” Kennison said.The setting next door at The Lazy Dog seemed nearly identical with seats at the bar becoming unavailable as kickoff approached. The Lazy Dog offered its own Super Bowl Sunday special, which included a voucher for a free dinner from its menu along with a raffle ticket.”We’ve sold over 100 vouchers already,” said bartender D.J. Raymond. “The crowd has been great. It’s a comfortable atmosphere for all ages. Whether people are in with their families or out drinking with their friends, they’re all having a great time”Emotions ran high for fans throughout the entire game as the Patriots and Seahawks battled for the lead. Fans erupted with cheers as Tom Brady tossed the first touchdown of the game to wide receiver Brandon LaFell from 11 yards out. Fans also moaned and groaned as Tom Brady threw his second interception of the game early in the second half.Optimistic Patriot fan Maggie O’Brian, who was accompanied by friends, sat at the bar of Rolly’s. “I’ve been looking forward to today all week,”she said. “Tom Brady is going to win another Super Bowl.”Both locations had a great turnout to watch another Super Bowl captured by Tom Brady, who was named the game’s MVP. Playing in his quarterback-record sixth Super Bowl, Brady broke Hall of Famer Joe Montana’s career record for passing touchdowns in a Super Bowl. Passing for scores with four different receivers to beat the Seahawks, Brady now has 13 passing touchdowns in a Super Bowl along with a record 37 Super Bowl completions.On the North Shore, fans like O’Brian enjoyed the performance as they celebrated the Patriots’ victory.