Locals overwhelmingly favor Chiefs to repeat
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Once a Dukie, always a Dukie.
Lewistown native Krista Gingrich will be watching Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday and cheering for an old classmate from Tobacco Row.
It seems San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan accepted a scholarship offer from Duke University for the 1998 season, the same time the talented Gingrich arrived on campus to play basketball for the Cameron Crazies.
"I'll be cheering for my friend from Duke, Kyle Shanahan," said Gingrich of this year's Super Bowl, to be played in Las Vegas. "Kyle was a freshman at Duke with me prior to transferring to Texas.
"He was in my close group of friends for that year," she added.
Sadly, Shanahan left Durham after one year, transferring to play wide receiver for the Longhorns in Austin. He caught 14 passes for 127 yards in his career.
Of course, he has had much more success in the NFL coaching ranks, guiding the 49ers to four NFC Championship Game appearances and a pair of Super Bowls. In 2020, Shanahan was coaching the 49ers when they lost to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, 31-20.
Gingrich hasn't spoken to Shanahan since he left Duke. "But he still talks to some football guys," she said. "I have several friends who played football that I stay in touch with, and they continue to talk and see Kyle."
And give Gingrich a reason to root for him.
So, what prediction does the former Panther standout have for the Super Bowl? 49ers 31, Chiefs 27.
Here's what other 58 (plus a few more) other local forecasters had to say about this year's Super Bowl as the Chiefs look to repeat:
Sam Baumgardner
Sentinel photographer
49ers 28, Chiefs 21: "Because I'm tired of everything being centered around the exclusive dating scene drama fest."
Rob Bay
former Indian Valley standout
49ers 38, Chiefs 35: "The lesser of two evils. I'm beyond tired of the Chiefs' storyline and arrogance. Time for a new champion."
Sierra Bolger
Sentinel reporter
Chiefs 37, 49ers 24: "Because of how well they've been doing throughout the season, and how far they've come."
Matt Bolich
Sentinel Advertising Director
49ers 30, Chiefs 24: "In a game where both teams are insufferable, Andy Reid goes back to his Eagles days and blows timeouts and tries to get too fancy, resulting in a Niners win."
Wayne Brookhart, former Lewistown basketball coach
49ers 41, Chiefs 38: "Have to go with the hoops' angle. Former Duke and Vanderbilt basketball star Billy McCaffrey watches his nephew, Christian McCaffrey, combine for 250 total yards rushing and receiving in the 49ers' victory. Ed Podolak throw-back performance, but in the opposite uniform."
Marcus Brothers
East Juniata educator and Special Olympics organizer
49ers 24, Chiefs 17: "Niners have a better defense and Brock Purdy was the best QB in the league this year."
Craig Bubb, Juniata High School softball coach
Chiefs 20, 49ers 17: "I think the 49ers have been the best team all season. Mahomes and Kelce are magical this time of year, but I think Purdy and CMC get it done in a nail-biter."
Dave Burman, former radio station sports director
Chiefs 28, 49ers 24: "Because Andy Reid is the best coach in the NFL."
Marke Bush, critically
acclaimed impressionist
Chiefs 27, 49ers 17: "Just a cowboy feeling."
Brian Carson, Sentinel Sports Correspondent
Chiefs 27, 49ers 23: "The 49ers open as slight favorites, but one key intangible in the Super Bowl is experience. Patrick Mahomes has it, Brock Purdy doesn't. This is Mahomes' fourth Super Bowl in five years. He has entered Montana, Bradshaw and Brady territory. Also, the Chiefs defense has been underrated all season long. Make no mistake, Mahomes is the X-factor and the reason the Chiefs will win their third Super Bowl with the Mahomes-Andy Reid partnership."
Tim Clark, Lewistown
Intermediate School teacher
Chiefs 24, 49ers 17: "Mahomes >>> Purdy plus #SwiftEffect."
Mark Coulter, former
Lewistown standout
Chiefs 31, 49ers 24: "Andy Reid is an offensive genius."
Brooke Crouse,
Sentinel city editor
49ers 26, Chiefs 21: "The 49ers will win because they tend to win big after a losing streak. However, the Chiefs will probably lose by a small margin, according to scoring history."
Wade Curry
MCHS boys basketball coach
Chiefs 43, 49ers 37: "Two names: Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift."
Adam Dimm
Former wrestling standout
Chiefs 38, 49ers 31: "Mahomes, Reid, Kelce, Swift are on a roll."
Brad Eargle,
Juniata County band director
49ers 23, Chiefs 21: "The 49ers because they've been pretty much unstoppable all year. It'll be a close one."
Ruth Eddy, Sentinel publisher
Chiefs 28, 49ers 17: "Andy Reid has proven he knows what it takes to win the big games. Also, QB Patrick Mahomes is better overall than Brock Purdy. Turnovers, however, could be the key to the win."
Garth Espigh, Milroy
49ers 27, Chiefs 24: "It should be pretty evenly matched. It might come down to a final drive, and I believe both teams have the capability of putting on a game-winning drive. But I'm going to go Niners."
Eric Ettinger, Mifflin County Regional Police, SRO
49ers 38, Chiefs 35: "Brock Purdy, the last pick of the draft will get MVP because of the Super Bowl win, and McCaffrey will get offensive MVP! Taylor Swift will write a song about her experience with Kelce going to the Super Bowl!"
Anthony Everly,
Mifflin County lacrosse coach
Chiefs 31, 49ers 27: "They shut down the Ravens and their offense is on a roll."
Stacey Falkner
BMS athletic director
Chiefs 34, 49ers 27: "Hard to beat Mahomes and Kelce combo."
Forest Fisher
Mifflin County historian
Chiefs 24, 49ers 21: I like Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, 10-1-1 against the spread in his career as an underdog."
Anthony Fiuza
Sentinel sports editor
Chiefs 31, 49ers 27: "Chiefs have beaten Kyle Shanahan's 49ers in the big game before. Chiefs' defense has played well against good quarterbacks, including Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. KC should be fine against Brock Purdy."
Andre French, Mifflin County Regional Police Department chief
49ers 27, Chiefs 24: "As SRO (Eric) Ettinger really needs a 49er win."
Mike Goss
Sentinel photographer
Chiefs 28, 49ers 17: "Mahomes advantage."
Brian Gumberg, LG Realty Advisors which owns Mifflin County Commons
Chiefs 33, 49ers 27: "Gotta love Kelce and Mahomes!"
Jessica Eaton Guyer
Tuscarora Academy
Museum curator
Chiefs 28, 49ers 24 (or 27-17): "Either way, the Chiefs will win. Scores are from my son and husband because I don't know a thing about football. Since it's the same as it was in 2020 just before the world fell apart, I've been joking that this is the "reset" to fix the last few years. So, the 49ers would have to win for it to be a true reset."
Cher Harpster
Penn State Extension office
49ers 31, Chiefs 14: "I believe Mahomes is full of surprises, so you never know, but I predict that the 49ers will use all of their offensive weapons to take the victory."
Kim Klingensmith Hart
Former Juniata High School track and coach
Chiefs 32, 49ers 28: "Chiefs for sure! Two Kelce touchdowns."
Colette Hartzler
executive director of United Way of Mifflin-Juniata
Chiefs 24, 49ers 17: "I'm not a Swiftie, but I like the Chiefs. However, I'm going to root for the 49ers this year. I'm picking the 49ers – just my gut."
Brad Heckert
Former Chief Logan standout
Chiefs 24, 49ers 23: "Chiefs' D comes up with enough big plays and Mahomes leads KC on drive for game-winning FG!"
Brian Heckert
Former Chief Logan standout and youth coach
Chiefs 34, 49ers 27: "Mahomes is a magic man. Kansas City's defense is better than people think."
Gary Heverly Jr.
Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology principal
Chiefs 27, 49ers 17: "As much as it pains me, it's hard to pick against the results of Patrick Mahomes in big games, Andy Reid's calmness under pressure and Spagnola's ability to stifle great offenses."
Mark Hidlay,
former Lewistown coach
Chiefs 38, 49ers 24: "Mahomes' scrambling ability negates any ground advantage for SF. If KC goes red/white uniform combo, it's over before Usher performs (whoever that is?)."
Rod Hunter
Wood-Mode LLC GM
Chiefs 27, 49ers 20: "I still believe the better defense wins big games, and I like an offense that doesn't make mistakes."
Nick Johnston
Two Bros. Bicycle Co. owner
49ers 24, Chiefs 17: "Brock Purdy wins as one of the lowest paid quarterbacks and low draft pick a few years ago. I'd like to see the underdog get the win."
Bev Kauffman
Sentinel food columnist
Chiefs 31, 49ers 27: "Because they're the stronger team and I like Andy Reid."
Chad Kauffman
Local avid birdwatcher
49ers 31, Chiefs 27: "I think SF will keep that mojo and somehow beat KC on the big stage in a high-scoring affair. I will also enjoy the commercials that sometimes steal the show as well. CMC deserves his title."
Rhonda Kelley, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director
Chiefs 27, 49ers 24: "I am going to 'Swiftly' give you my prediction because I bet you have your own idea who will bring home the gold. So don't go on the defense, and I won't go on the offense, as I give you my prediction."
Barry King, Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology administrative director
Chiefs 38, 49ers 31: "The Taylor Swift effect is real! The Swifties win this one."
Gary Klingensmith, legendary Juniata HS football coach
Chiefs 30, 49ers 27: "The Chiefs' poise and experience allows them to make less mistakes."
Linda Klingensmith, wife of legendary Juniata High School football coach
Chiefs 27, 49ers 24: "Mahomes' winning spirit and experience is the Chiefs' ticket to a win."
Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County Commissioner and former high school girls basketball coach
Chiefs 27, 49ers 24: "Mahomes, Kelce and the X-factor propel the Chiefs to the title!"
Glenn Kyle, former high school educator and coach
Chiefs 30, 49ers 14: "Someone told KC they were an underdog and pissed them off."
Tom Laub
Sentinel lifestyles editor
Chiefs 31, 49ers 17: "KC went on the road and upset the bills and the Ravens with great defense. Patrick Mahomes is looking like Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs having a running game as well. KC is clicking at the right time."
Rick Mills, former Lewistown basketball coach
Chiefs 24, 49ers 21: "The Chiefs are going to win because we are in the next phase of one quarterback dominating, and everyone has counted them out all year. Plus, my son is a Chiefs fan, and if they don't win, I have to listen to him whine."
Jane Cannon Mort, retired Sentinel Food and Health editor
Chiefs 20, 49ers 13: "I'm with Taylor Swift!"
Nathaniel Mowery
Local musician
Chiefs 24, 49ers 21: "I know nothing about football or the stats, but I'm going Chiefs all the way."
Terra Noerr, Lewistown
49ers 27, Chiefs 20: "I pick the 49ers to win because this is their chance to avenge 2020."
John Pannizzo, local business owner and youth sports advocate
Chiefs 24, 49ers 20: "Can't underestimate Mahomes. Ask the Ravens."
Ben Rothrock, Lewistown native and vice president/GM of Richmond Flying Squirrels
Chiefs 38, 49ers 31: "Chiefs stuff McCaffrey and offense late to carry the team to victory."
Victoria Searer, executive director at Juniata Valley YMCA
Chiefs 24, 49ers 21: "I just can't take Purdy over Mahomes. I think the 49ers are lucky to have even made it to the Super Bowl by the skin of their teeth. And the Mahomes/Kelce combo is the spitting image of the Brady/Gronk combo. Both defenses are good, so I think it is going to be a close game. Chiefs for sure!"
Tamara Sechler, Mifflin County track and field coach
Chiefs 31, 49ers 20: "The Chiefs because they have a great defensive team."
Jennifer Henry Sheaffer
Lewistown
Chiefs 24, 49ers 17: "Because they have always been my second favorite team to the Steelers!"
Riley Shertzer, Juniata High School Student Council advisor
Chiefs 24, 49ers 17: "I was really rooting for a Ravens vs. Lions Super Bowl. I hope the 49ers pull off the win, but I think the Chiefs will be the winners because of their experience and they seem to always pull off the win in the postseason. I'm not counting Purdy out, but I feel like he's got a big task in front of him."
Ed Stewart, former
Lewistown basketball coach
Chiefs 33, 49ers 27: "Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in football, and he will be the difference-maker."
Sara Sutton, Mifflin County High School wearable art teacher
Chiefs 31, 49ers 27: "They are high-willed and know how to pull it off (from her son, Eli)!"
Todd Tabb, Hometown
Potters' Studio owner
Chiefs 28, 49ers 21: "Travis Kelce will continue to impress his girlfriend by earning her the ring of all rings."
Erin Thompson,
Sentinel managing editor
49ers 30, Chiefs 24: "San Francisco seems like a more interesting place to visit."
Bret Treaster,
Derry Township tax collector
Chiefs 27, 49ers 24: "Too much Mahomes, Mahomes and Mahomes."
Jason Ufema, Shy Bear Brewing and Rich Coast Coffee Co. owner
Chiefs 27, 49ers 24: "This game could go a thousand different ways, but I believe that the 49ers' defense, while previously appearing fantastic, has inherent flaws that have recently become exposed. While the 49ers have many weapons on the offensive side, I can't possibly bet against Mahomes and their defense in coming on strong at the right time."
Kenny Varner, Hometown Sports Scene editor
Chiefs 35, 49ers 30: "Never make Patrick Mahomes an underdog! Over the last few weeks, the Chiefs have been underdogs in games against the Bills and Ravens. When you take that and mix in a Chiefs' defense that has been the best group that Mahomes has had in his short six-year playing career, the writing is on the wall."
Vance Varner, Mifflin County School District superintendent
Chiefs 42, 49ers 35: "Patrick Mahomes has the Super Bowl experience, and that experience will be huge.
Craig Weston, Mifflin County High School softball coach and magisterial district judge
Chiefs 27, 49ers 21: "Mahomes' athleticism and mobility is the difference to me."
Cody Wian, One-Stop
Communications Inc. president
Chiefs 30, 49ers 27: "I'm hoping the Chiefs win. My father-in-law, Dan Whitsel, is such a huge fan of the Chiefs and Taylor Swift. He would be so excited to see them win a Super Bowl."
My prediction? Well, if the score matches the forecasters, it's a 50-16 cakewalk for Mahomes and Chiefs. Regardless of who wins, I hope the game is an instant classic. Brock Purdy surprisingly outshines Mahomes, and CMC and Deebo break loose in a 38-34 victory.