Three county coaches agree: Eagles over Chiefs

Published 5:28 pm Thursday, February 9, 2023

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The Kansas City Chiefs have a chance, but the Philadelphia Eagles will prevail in Sunday’s Super Bowl, according to the area high school football coaches.

The 57th edition of the title tilt will be decided Sunday evening in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, AZ.

Kansas City is in the big game for the third time in four seasons after a last-second victory over Cincinnati, while the Eagles routed the 49’ers by three touchdowns in the NFC championship game.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid led the Eagles to the title 18 years ago, while his tight end Travis Kelce faces his brother Jason in the first matchup of brothers in the big game.

Despite KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes flair for pulling off multiple big plays, three of the area high school coaches think the Chiefs defense isn’t good enough to stop Eagles QB Jalon Hurts ability to run and pass.

Keith Boyd Northside: Philadelphia 34-21, because they are more solid offensively, defensively and on special teams. I don’t think Kansas City can control the offensive or defensive front and games are won in the trenches. The skill players get the glory, but the linemen do the work. Mahomes is not 100 percent and one guy can’t win a game. Hurts has more weapons, so I’m going with the Eagles.

Jeff Carrow Southside: Philadelphia 34-24. I am rooting for the Chiefs because I’ve always liked the AFC better, but I think the Eagles will win.

I don’t trust the KC defense and Philly has made the key stops in the fourth quarter. They are also healthier. I expect Mahomes to be himself and ball out, but besides Kelce, who else is there to help him? Hurts is outstanding as well and Kansas City is in trouble if the Eagles get their running game going.

Alex Sefton Pungo Christian Academy: Philadelphia 35-28. I really like Philadelphia’s offense. Hurts is fast and athletic and can beat you with his legs. He also has weapons outside, which Mahomes might not have. Everything has gone right for the Eagles in the playoffs and I like the way they are playing. Their defense is number one in sacks and Mahomes has limited mobility with his ankle. I think the Eagles will pressure him.

The Chiefs have to take advantage of every offensive possession and their defense has to stop Hurts from scrambling. I’m not sure they can do that.

Perry Owens Washington: Kansas City 17-14. The Eagles are the better overall team, but Mahomes is the better quarterback with big game experience. He is better on one leg than most quarterbacks are on two and his ankle has had two weeks to heal. He’s had to make better decisions this year without a deep threat receiver and he gets the ball out fast. Philly runs well and eats the clock, that’s why I picked a lower score. They have a good defense and the best offensive line in the league. Experience is on Kansas City’s side and that’s why I picked them to win a close one.