Local coaches make Super Bowl picks

It's that time of year when we turn to the local football experts, our high school coaches, for their Super Bowl predictions. Accustomed to film study, they have an insight more in-depth than most observers. That being said, the nature of sports is often unpredictable like last year when the Philadelphia Eagles won 40-22 in a blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. On paper, this year's game looks like a possible classic with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI X, which the Patriots won 28-24. Eleven years later, the Patriots are looking to break a tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers and score a record seventh Super Bowl victory. Let's go to the thoughts of our experts. We start with Providence Academy coach Daniel Kilgore, who was part of two Super Bowl teams as an offensive lineman with the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Seattle has an edge with its defense. Sam Darnold is playing at a high level and Mike Macdonald is a tremendous defensive young coach, but I'm actually going with New England. Situationally, they've been good all season and Mike Vrabel has been great in those situations. Drake Maye is a young guy on a big stage, but with his temperament he will be fine. I few like New England has a little more grit to this team. The challenge is how New England's young offensive line matches up against that Seattle defensive line….Patriots, 31-28 Josh Hensley, Cherokee I've been a huge fan of Mike Macdonald for a few years. He does an exceptional job defensively and culturally. I think their ability to establish a run game and create chunks and explosive plays with JSN will be the difference. I'm also a huge fan of Mike Vrabel and hate he is no longer with the Titans. But, I think the Seahawks will do enough to be the champs….Seahawks, 31-24 Zac Benfield, Cloudland Seattle's defense is tough and Sam Darnold is playing good enough to hit some deep balls. This will keep the Patriots defense backed up enough to consistently run the ball….Seahawks, 24-17 Jeremy Jenkins, Daniel Boone I think the Patriots will control Seattle's run game and control the clock on offense. It will force Seattle to play catch-up…..Patriots, 20-17 Hayden Chandley, David Crockett The Seahawks have the better defense and that will be the difference. Walker looked great last week as the lead back for Seattle. He will keep the chains moving for the Seahawks on offense. I love Mike Vrabel, but Seattle is playing some great football now….Seahawks, 23-10 Joey Christian, Dobyns-Bennett Both teams lean on their defense. Both teams have great special teams that have been instrumental to their success. With those cancelling each other out, I'm going with the offense that isn't relying on as many rookie and second-year players. It should be a physical game though, and I like that….Seahawks, 24-10 Shawn Witten, Elizabethton Both defenses are great. I see the game coming down to field goals….Patriots, 13-10 Jeremy Houseright, Gate City I like the experience of the Patriots organization. Vrabel is a good coach and I think he will make the adjustments to win it….Patriots, 24-17 Michael Lunsford, Hampton Seattle's defensive line is just too good. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker will be the the best offensive weapons in the game. I think Drake Maye will struggle against the pass rushers, especially if they can keep him from taking off and running with the ball….Seahawks, 27-21 Jason Jarrett, Happy Valley Even though I like Mike Vrabel and the job he has done uniting the Patriots locker room, I have to pick the No. 1 defense in the league and go with the Seahawks. I also feel like the Seahawks may have a little more of an edge offensively. I see a close one like the last time these two met just a few years ago in the Super Bowl, but the Seahawks get the job done this go around in a close one….Seahawks, 24-17 Gary Collier, Rye Cove Everybody always talks about defense, but Seattle's offense is on a roll and scoring 30 points per game. Offense wins championships as Darnold will extend a few drives with his legs in this one….Seahawks, 30-20 Stacy Carter, Science Hill Seattle has the best defense in the league, and Sam Darnold is playing so well. The Patriots are so good as well….Seahawks, 27-14 Josh Holt, Tennessee High I'm picking the game to stay under 48 points. I expect Seattle's defense to control the tempo of the game and limit explosive plays, which should keep the scoring in check. Offensively, the Seahawks are balanced enough to sustain drives and capitalize on field position without needing a shootout. I see this being a physical, well-managed game rather than being a high-scoring one….Seahawks, 24-20. Keith Warner, Twin Springs Seattle has the No. 1 scoring defense and defense wins championships. Seattle wins Super Bowl LX….Seahawks, 27-13 Drew Rice, Unicoi County I think Seattle has the better team even though I would like to see Coach Vrabel win one. The Seahawks have moved the ball at will the last two weeks, so I think that will continue. It will be just a little too much for the Patriots….Seahawks, 27-20 Jeremy Wagner, Volunteer The Seattle offensive line is impressive with the run game and how dirty it is. They do a great job running the zone and getting after it. The offensive line gives them an edge and then they have a receiver who's playing at a great level. Sam Darnold is playing good football as well. Defensively, I like the secondary for the Patriots, but when you can run the ball and do play action in the NFL, it's so helpful….Seahawks, 28-17 Justin Hilton, West Ridge I love the Seahawks' defense. They are great at stopping the run. Then in long second and third downs, they create pressure with their front. That allows their secondary to play more zone and not give up big plays….Seahawks, 28-19