Photo: St. Landry Parish School Coaches
BOBBY ARDOIN
Contributing Writer
While national sports television has displayed an array of media experts discussing aspects of Sunday’s Super Bowl LVI, St.LandryNow.com has gathered its own football gurus who have dissected the strengths and weaknesses of each team.
The nine St. Landry Parish high school head football coaches have agreed to provide their pre-game input and picked their winner in the contest between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals.
Here’s what they have to say:
Thomas David, Opelousas Catholic: “The smart bet and the safe money is on the Rams. That’s mainly because of the Rams’ defensive line, which is the best in pro football.”
James Shiver, St. Edmund: “I like Cincinnati. I’m going with (Joe) Burrow. I like the whole comeback story. I think (Burrow) will find a way to make it happen.”
Jimmy Zachery, Jr. Opelousas High: “The Bengals will win. They’re hot at the right time. Burrow can do it, but ultimately that depends upon blocking the Rams’ defensive line.”
Jacob Carruth, North Central: “I’m picking the Rams. (Thomas Stafford) deserves it. He is playing at a high level right now. I also don’t think the Bengals’ offensive line can hold up.”
Chris Edwards, Northwest High: “I think the Rams will win because of their defensive line. I also like the home field advantage the Rams have, kind of like Tom Brady had last year in Tampa.”
Travis Blaize, Westminster Christian: “The Rams went all in this year, getting Stafford, Von Miller, Odell Beckem, Jr. There’s home field, a big (Rams’) advantage in the trenches. The Rams overall have too much firepower. I love the Burrow story, but I am also a Sean McVay fan.”
Andre Vige, Eunice High: “The Rams will win. They have the defensive line to do it. On the other hand, I will be pulling for Burrow.”
Craig Stevens, Port Barre: “I guess I’m pulling for the Bengals, but I think the Rams will win. I love Burrow and what he’s done, but it’s going to be hard to protect him.”
Guest pickers
Freddie Herpin, St. LandryNow.com photographer: “I’m going to go with Cincinnati. I’m going to go with Burrow. He’s become a Louisiana guy now, so I am going to pick him.”
Bobby Ardoin, St. LandryNow.com editorial consultant-writer: “It makes perfect sense to pick the Rams. However no one ever accused me of being perfectly sensible. Some way and somehow, I think the Bengals find a way to win.”
Billy Myers, former assistant football coach at Opelousas and Sunset high schools: “I don’t think you can sell Joe Burrow short on anything.”
