Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Journal reporter Matt Baide asked Mason County’s three head football coaches and other public figures in the county for their take on this Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI. Here are their responses:
Justin Johnson, Journal editor
The pick: Rams
“While L.A. has been inconsistent at times during the past few weeks, when the Rams are at full speed, they’re clearly the best defensive team in the NFL. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has shown great resilience playing in front of a suspect offensive line, but L.A. is the best and most aggressive defense the Bengals have played. I’m going with: Rams 31, Bengals 17.”
Kevin Shutty , Mason County commissioner
The pick: Rams
“I think the Bengals will be competitive though I am ethically and morally prohibited from rooting for them. I like the Rams and as a bonus, Cooper Kupp for MVP.”
Mark Smith, Shelton football coach
The pick: Rams
“I worry about the right side of the Bengals O-line and Rams do a good job of moving their D-line around to find the matchups they like. Coach McVay, I like his coaching style. Cooper Kupp is the offensive player of the year and doesn’t disappear in big games, clutch performer. Defense wins championships with Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd, Bengals will be forced to kick field goals. Bengals are fun to watch, it should be entertaining. I don’t really care who wins, I just want to see a good game.”
Ryan Spurling, Mason County Sheriff’s Office patrol division chief
The pick: Bengals
Rob Thomas, North Mason football coach
The pick: Rams
“As a Detroit Lions fan, I am 100% pulling for Stafford to go and win a Super Bowl. I think that the Rams have all the pieces on both sides of the ball and I expect it to be close but not a nail biter like the last couple games have. I predict that Stafford will throw for 325-plus yards and have three TD passes, the Rams defense will force two turnovers and sack Burrow three times.”
Heidi McCutcheon, Shelton-Mason County Chamber CEO
The pick: Bengals
“I’m pulling for the underdogs and rooting for the Bengals in this year’s Super Bowl. It’s been so long since their last playoffs win, let alone appearance in the big game. Also, I just don’t like the Rams.”
Thomas Kerr, Mary M. Knight AD/FB coach
The pick: Rams
“Rams D front four are the best in football. The Bengals O-line has been suspect all year long. It will be a close game until halftime as Burrow will keep them in it. Rams will pull away late and force the Bengals to throw the ball and cause Von Miller and Aaron Donald to have a heyday.”
Alexia Hadfield, North Mason AD
The pick: Bengals
“That is a tough call. Although the Rams have the better record, coming in as the underdog, the Bengals have a fighting spirit. I am rooting for the underdog on this one.”
Mark Neary, Mason County administrator
The pick: Bengals
“They have an explosive young offense that will be hard to handle. Quarterback Joe Burrow appears to step up in big games. Team that up with a much improved defense and you get a Bengals win.”
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