Super Bowl Predictions:
Mike Ciarochi, Herald-Standard Sports Editor The Bears have been underdogs all season long, so they will embrace that role once again. The Colts have overachieved to get this far. A kick may decide it, but Adam Vinatieri will be watching from the sidelines when Robbie Gould converts.
Bears 23, Colts 21
Rob Burchianti, Herald-Standard Assistant Sports Editor
The Bears will hang in the game because they’ll hold the upper hand in the trenches, but Manning will find enough mismatches to make the plays he needs to win the game.
Colts 24, Bears 23
Rod Schoener, Herald-Standard Outdoors Editor
This is a tough one to call. By now the Bears have had enough time to study miles of film of Peyton Manning and should know how he operates. If they don’t, shame on them. If they have done their homework and their usual tenacious defense does its job, then it is time for quarterback Rex Grossman to step into the spotlight, become the man of the hour and not allow himself to play in Manning’s shadow. If he can move the Bears’ offense, the defense will do its part. If they believe, I think Da Bears will win out.
Bears 27, Colts 20
Jim Downey, Herald-Standard Sports Writer
My nephew Brian Lohr, now a freshman at Hempfield, is a veteran of this Super Bowl pick stuff and he says ‘Da Bears,’ 28-21. His younger brother Jason concurs, picking Chicago in a higher score, 36-29. With both team’s mascots animals, it only seems fitting to have a fellow 4-legger give its two cents worth. Since the family dog Marvin passed away last fall, the prognostication duties have fallen to the Lohr’s dog Rudy, and he says the Bears as well. As for me, I honestly just don’t care, but I’m not sold on Rex Grossman, the Colts won’t cover and take the under.
Chuck Dorso, HSTV
The Bears will be gunning for a victory (but enough about Tank Johnson), but MVP Peyton Manning will prove to be the real gunslinger in this one, as classy Tony Dungy gets a well-deserved championship.
Colts 34, Bears 20
Area High School Football Coaches:
Jack Buehner, Laurel Highlands
I think the Colts are a little better, but it’s so tough to figure out what’s going to happen because one play can change the whole outlook of the game and force a team out of its game plan.
Colts 26, Bears 20
John Fortugna, Uniontown
I have to go with the Colts because of (Uniontown graduate and Colts running backs coach) Gene Huey. I was at Wyoming when he was coaching there in 1970-71.
Colts 36, Bears 22
George Messich, Mapletown
I’m pulling for Chicago because they seem like they’re a Steelers-type team, but I think the Colts will win.
Colts 21, Bears 10
Brian Pritts, Southmoreland
I think it’s going to be a high-scoring game with the Bears winning it.
Bears 38, Colts 35
Joe Kuhns, California
Bears 23, Colts 10
Lew Sweitzer, Frazier
Colts 24, Bears 17
Bo Spears, Turkeyfoot Valley
Colts 34, Bears 20