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Is it in the Cards?

FOOTBALL

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

NCT Head Coach Jamie Joyner

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By MARTY MILLER

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: February 1, 2009

With Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Hernando County football coaches and players were asked who they thought would win the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers and to give a final score.
Of the coaches and players we contacted, just one person picked the Cardinals to win the game. But a surprising number of people said they hoped the Cards would win, but instead picked the Steelers.
Central Head Coach Cliff Lohrey was one of those people.
"I hope the Cardinals win just because it would be something different," said Lohrey. "I'm going to root for a team that hasn't won a title before and from a fan's standpoint, it would be a better story (Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 13).
Nature Coast Technical Head Coach Jamie Joyner is another one who believes the Steelers will win.
"I'm picking Pittsburgh because of their defense," said Joyner. And I think they will just be too physical for Arizona." (Pick: Pittsburgh 27-Arizona 17.
Hernando Christian Academy Head Coach David Raley also says he would like to see the Cardinals win, but thinks the Steelers will win the game.
"I hope Arizona can win because it's been so long since they have won a title," Raley said. "And I think the Steelers might have some trouble Sunday. It's like Bill Parcells use to say, 'You build a team to win championship on defense and running the ball.' I think the Steelers will have trouble, but they'll win the game in the fourth quarter." (Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Arizona 17).
For his part, Springstead Head Coach Bill Vonada was sort of hesitant to pick a final score. "Hey, if I could do that, I would go to Las Vegas instead."
But Vonada did pick Pittsburgh and said it would be a close game.
"I think you have to look at the defensive pressure Pittsburgh can put on Arizona," remarked Vonada. "They have speed in their backfield and you have to double-team their defensive lineman. But I will say, I think it's going to be a much closer game than people think. With a fresh Edgerin James and the experience of Kurt Warner, it will be close." (Pick: Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 21).
Of the head coaches and players, Hernando coach John Palmer is the only one picking for the Cardinals.
"I would love to see Arizona win because they haven't won a championship since 1947," said Palmer. "Besides, I think their offense will be able to move the ball on Pittsburgh." (Pick: Arizona 35, Pittsburgh 21).
All three players contacted thought the Steelers would win, but all three had different final scores.
Clay Kessler, a tight end/inebacker for Hernando had the Steelers winning.
"I think Pittsburgh's defense will dominate the game," Kessler said. "And that they'll get a bunch of turnovers and win easy." (Pick: Pittsburgh 34, Arizona 17.
Offensive and defensive lineman Josh Romeo of Hernando Christian Academy also had the Steelers winning, but thinks it will be a much closer game.
"I would like to see Arizona win, but I just don't see it," Romeo predicted. "Pittsburgh's defense is so tough, I think they'll control the game. (Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Arizona 14.
Offensive/defensive lineman Kevin Grier also thinks the Steelers will win the game Sunday and believes their defense will be the cause.
"They are just too physical for Arizona's offense," Grier said. "They have a great defense and I think they will pressure Warner into mistakes." (Pick: Pittsburgh 28, Arizona 24).
As someone who grew up 60 miles east of Pittsburgh in Johnstown, Pa., I don't think people have to wonder too much who I think will win. (Pick: Pittsburgh 38, Arizona 24).

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