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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Local coaches make their picks

We’re on the verge of Super Bowl LIX in an Eagles-Chiefs rematch, and it should be one of the better ones in a showdown between the Eagles’ and Whitehall grad Saquon Barkley against the Chiefs Patrick Mahomes. It has the making and more of the teams’ initial meeting two years ago in which the Chiefs edged the Eagles, 38-35.

How do some of the local coaches feel about? Here is a smattering of response of Catasauqua and Northampton coaches’ predictions and thoughts about Barkley.

Catasauqua head boys’ basketball coach Eric Snyder: Eagles, 30-28.

Saquon Barkley is just a good guy who never forgot his roots. He gives back to his community where he grew up, not just monetarily but also being there for the people and the kids.

“He was very good friends with my aunt’s granddaughter Kayla Cunningham, and they very close. He spent several days if not many over at my aunt’s house for picnics. I never was over there to see him, but they would tell me.

“I don’t remember him much as a basketball player other than he was a reserve who played hard. He knew what he could and couldn’t do and wasn’t that great of an offensive player. But he rebounded, hustled and set picks. He played good defense, and of course, he was fast, quick, and strong. He did play in our summer league.”

Catasauqua head field hockey coach Amanda Freiler: Eagles 38-‘Cheats’ 24.

“Kansas City Refs, I mean Cheats, I mean Chiefs are not ready for Saquon Barkley. They think this is a rematch of two years ago, but this Eagles’ team is a whole new #1 defense with a plethora of offensive weapons. The refs won’t even be able to save the Chiefs.”

Catasauqua head baseball coach Steve Bradley: Eagles, 38-34.

“Barkley runs for 120 yards with two touchdowns. He has added a huge spark to the Eagles this year, and it shows what a great offensive line can do for their team. He has been a class act and has represented the Lehigh Valley well.”

Catasauqua head football coach Joe Henrich: Eagles 27-24.

“It’s really cool to see a local kid having such as high level of success. Saquon is a special talent and is fun to watch.”

Catasauqua head girls’ basketball coach Tara Belfield: Chiefs 24-10.

“I’m not an Eagles’ fan. Went to an Eagles’ game twice and got treated terribly. Congratulations to the local guy, but let’s go Chiefs.”

Catasauqua head cross country and track coach Kyle Rusnock: Eagles, 31-24.

“Saquon is the difference maker. He is the best running back in the league should be the MVP. He is a generational player and a humble human being. I love how he gives credit to his line and other players. I am proud that he represents the Valley and excited to root for him in the Super Bowl.”

Northampton head baseball coach Mick Sugra: Chiefs, 36-35.

Well, I’m a Giants’ fan, so you can guess where my prediction is going. I think Saquon was the best player for the Giants, and wish he’d still be a Giant. He’s the Eagles best player, and as of last week the league MVP. He completes the Eagles and if they have everything going, they’re pretty tough team to beat.

“I also like what Andy Reid has done in Kansas City. I like teams that have success year in and year out because it means they’re doing things the right way. As a coach, I like seeing that. I think it would be pretty cool to see a back-to back-to-back champion. But, I could also see the Eagles winning this one. It’s probably going to be a high scoring game as well. So with all that said, I’d like to see the Chiefs win.”

Northampton head boys’ basketball coach Matt Scholl: Eagles, 24-20.

“I am a New England Patriots fan but the majority of my family is Philadelphia Eagles fans so I will be rooting for the Eagles. My mom and I attended the Eagles Wild Card game against the Packers.

“I graduated from Whitehall and still have a lot of connections to Whitehall so it is great to see Saquon having such a great season. I had the luxury of growing up with the Millen family and will never forget the day Matt Millen let me hold his Super Bowl rings.

“I also played basketball with Dan Koppen and absolutely loved watching him dominate with the New England Patriots. I would love to see Saquon be the next Zephyr to get a Super Bowl ring. I’ll be wearing his jersey on game day, and hoping he puts the Chiefs to bed just like he did to the Commanders.”

Northampton head girls’ basketball coach Jeff Jacksits: Chiefs, 27-24.

“I think Saquon will have a good day. Hard to pick against Mahomes. Score will be close.”

Northampton field hockey coach Carrie Saul: Eagles, 31-24.

“It’s the Revenge Bowl! The Eagles have more offensive weapons, and the defense has been solidified. It’s time for the Birds! The Valley is rooting for Saquon!”

Northampton head football coach John Toman: Eagles, 30-21.

“Saquon is amazing! As an Eagles’ fan, I am happy he chose Philly. He says all the right things and backs it up on the field.”