You could say football coaches just love the game — no matter which one.
With Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks set for Sunday at 6:30 p.m., local high school coaches weighed in with predictions, analysis, and even some gameday plans.
Lynn Tech’s James Runner
Winner: Patriots
Runner is all about defense — and taking pride in that side of the ball. Despite giving New England an edge, he thinks it will be close.
“It’s tough. We’re New England people and supposed to be pulling for the Patriots, but I’m a big defensive guy,” said Runner, who predicts a 31-28 final. “(Seattle quarterback) Sam Darnold doesn’t do well with a lot of pressure up the middle. I think he’ll get flustered in the big game.”
Runner added New England’s interior defensive tackles are “some of the best in the league.”
As for gameday plans, family comes first.
“I’m going to be at my daughter’s cheerleading competition in Rhode Island. As much as I love football, I’m a cheer dad and I’m not going to miss it for anything.”
KIPP Academy’s Jim Rabbitt
Winner: Patriots
Rabbitt says it’s pretty much “an evenly-matched game,” but gives the Patriots an advantage with their underrated defense. There’s also the quarterback matchup between Darnold and New England’s Drake Maye.
“Sam Darnold could see some ghosts; Drake could use his legs and make some big plays.”
With a 26-23 prediction, Rabbitt plans to enjoy the game at home with close friends and fellow coaches.
Bishop Fenwick’s Dave Woods
Winner: Patriots
“Hit-or-miss” Darnold could be due for some turnovers, if you ask Woods, who predicts a 23-20 Patriots win.
“I think nobody prepares for situational football better than the Patriots, and that will be the difference in the game. Drake Maye will do just enough to keep his team in the game, which means no turnovers and relying on the run game a little more.”
However, Woods added New England could have a tough time with Seattle running back Kenneth Walker (1,027 regular-season yards rushing).
Lynn Classical’s Brian Smith
Winner: Seahawks
Smith prefers a Patriots win, but sees Seattle victorious 27-24 behind a strong offense.
“I think, right now, Sam Darnold is playing better than Maye, who hasn’t done well the last three weeks against good defenses. Seattle has had more offense recently.”
Seattle has scored 72 points through two playoff games against San Francisco and Los Angeles (opening-round bye).
Swampscott’s Peter Bush
Winner: Patriots
Bush predicts a 23-20 nail-biter. Better yet, a game-winning field goal from New England’s Andy Borregales — a rookie kicker on the big stage.
“I expect a defensive battle. The Patriots have been very good all season at taking care of the little details, and I think that will be the difference.”
Marblehead’s Jim Rudloff
Winner: Patriots
Rudloff predicts success for New England, but only if it executes on special teams and wins the turnover battle. Maye also needs time and space in the pocket.
“With the Patriots playing in the Super Bowl, I will be a nervous wreck — sitting, standing, and pacing — which doesn’t make me a ton of fun at a Super Bowl party. I’ll be watching the game at home with my family.”
St. John’s Prep’s Brian St. Pierre
Winner: Patriots
St. Pierre, a quarterback on the Arizona Cardinals’ roster during Super Bowl XLIII, said he’s “seen this movie before” with the 2001 Patriots, who upset the 14-2 St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
“Seattle is probably a little better on paper . . . I know both teams have very good defenses and people expect a low-scoring game, but I think it’s more of a 27-24 type of game.”
St. Pierre has been impressed with the leadership of New England’s Mike Vrabel, who was named NFL Coach of the Year Thursday.
“I think Coach Vrabel has done a great job. He coaches like a guy who’s played at the highest level. He’s got that credibility and the guys respond to him.”
Saugus’ Greg Bluestein
Winner: Patriots
Bluestein, who was named Saugus’ varsity coach Thursday, has the Patriots winning by 10 points. Again, it’s all about defense.
“I was born and raised a Patriots fan and I think the Pats’ defense is going to give them fits — more than they can handle. I don’t think they’ve (Seahawks) played anybody with the defensive secondary that New England has. I think they’ll be able to stop JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and I’m hoping for a defensive battle.”
St. Mary’s Sean Driscoll
Winner: Patriots
Not Maye. Not Darnold. Not Smith-Njigba.
Driscoll said New England’s rookie running back, TreVeyon Henderson, could be the difference. Henderson rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season.
“They’ve both got great defenses, but I’ll take the Patriots in a close one. History says Darnold has the edge because he’s a veteran, but Maye has really matured, so it’s a toss up.”
Lynnfield’s Pat Lamusta
Winner: Patriots
With plans to watch with his 93-year-old grandfather, Lamusta predicts a 17-0 shutout victory in favor of the Patriots.
“I’ll definitely be rooting for the home team, hoping for a good defensive game, and seeing the Patriots pound the ball. A couple of great throws from Drake Maye would be a nice touch as well.”
Peabody’s Mark Bettencourt
Winner: Patriots
Bettencourt said the Patriots are playing with house money “because nobody thought this was going to happen.” He predicts a 27-24 ballgame.
“Are they a team of destiny? It’s hard not to say yes. I think a lot of people think Seattle will crush them, but I don’t see that.”
From former coach Bill Belichick to Vrabel, it’s all about culture, according to Bettencourt.
“This team buys in and believes in themselves and each other. The younger players are playing with confidence you see in veteran players. To be honest, that’s the culture we’re trying to create at Peabody High.”
Lynn English’s Tyllor McDonald
Winner: Patriots
With a 20-17 victory, McDonald sees red and blue confetti falling Sunday night.
“Honestly, it will be a defensive battle. I don’t think much scoring will happen, but I’m a little nervous for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If he gets hot, we could be in trouble.”
As for Maye losing the MVP battle to Los Angeles’ Matthew Stafford, McDonald said there are bigger trophies in play.
“It’s his second year in the league and he’s only getting better. If he wins that (Lombardi Trophy), the other stuff doesn’t matter.”
