It is a tradition like no other: the much-anticipated 11th annual All-Region Team picks the Super Bowl post.This year’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs is the second straight rematch that the members of the team will have to choose between. In 2022, All-Region players chose the Eagles to defeat the Chiefs, and well, they were wrong. Last season, the All-Region team, by an overwhelming 22-10 margin, chose the San Francisco 49ers to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. That didn’t go so well for those who picked the NFC champion.This is the fifth time the Chiefs will play in the Super Bowl in the past 11 years. No All-Region team has ever picked the Chiefs. The teams picked the 49ers twice, the Buccaneers (the only one that was correct), and the Eagles over the Chiefs. Maybe Patrick Mahomes reads The Times-Tribune online and checks out these picks for motivation. Let’s hope.So how have the All-Region players done, you ask?Here is a look back at how the legends of the past did:PAST PICKS / WINNERS2014 AR TEAM: PATRIOTS over Seahawks / WINNER: PATRIOTS* 2015 AR TEAM: PANTHERS over Broncos / WINNER: BRONCOS2016 AR TEAM: PATRIOTS over Falcons / WINNER: PATRIOTS2017 AR TEAM: EAGLES over Patriots / WINNER: EAGLES* 2018 AR TEAM: RAMS over Patriots / WINNER: PATRIOTS* 2019 AR TEAM: 49ERS over Chiefs / WINNER: CHIEFS2020 AR TEAM: BUCCANEERS over Chiefs / WINNER: BUCCANEERS2021 AR TEAM: RAMS over Bengals / WINNER: RAMS* 2022 AR TEAM: EAGLES over Chiefs / WINNER: CHIEFS* 2023: AR TEAM: 49ERS over Chiefs / WINNER: CHIEFSAfter failing to correctly choose the winner last year, the past All-Region teams have a record of 5-5 in picking the big game.The All-Region teams have successfully chosen the winner in 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, and 2014.They failed in 2019, 2018, 2015, 2022, and 2023.Could this year’s team possibly pick against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for a fifth time?Let’s see.Scranton Prep quarterback Louis Paris.AWARD WINNER PICKSIt is a clean sweep for the Philadelphia Eagles. Both Louis Paris, the Offensive Player of the Year, and Max Kimmel, the Defensive Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year Harry Armstrong think the NFC Champion is going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEARLOUIS PARISScranton Prep, QBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I have the Eagles winning. I think they are physical up front, and Saquon has had an outstanding year. Patrick Mahomes is a winner, but I think this is the year they get knocked off the throne.Lackawanna Trail’s Max Kimmel makes a catch while defended by Holy Cross’ Austin Bicking during a football game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. CHRISTOPHER DOLAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERDEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEARMAX KIMMELLackawanna Trail, DBPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 28-24Why: Both teams match up well and have good quarterbacks, but I think Philly will pull through because of the defense.Riverside football coach Harry Armstrong talks to players during a football practice in Taylor on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)COACH OF THE YEARHARRY ARMSTRONGRiversidePick: Philadelphia Eagles, 20-16Why: Philadelphia’s defensive line and offensive line have got to take over the game. Coach Vic Fangio will find a way to keep Kansas City under 21 points, and Saquon will put on a show.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 3, Kansas City Chiefs 0QUARTERBACK PICKSIn addition to Paris, there were three other players who were quarterbacks for their respective teams chosen for this year’s All-Region Team. With the evolution of the position, quarterbacks are doing much more, which includes throwing and running. With Paris’ selection of the Eagles, it is interesting to see that the other quarterbacks also are looking in favor of the Eagles 3-1, with only Delaware Valley’s Logan Olsommer, who was named to the All-Region team as a punter, going with the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs being such a quarterback-driven team with Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion, the quarterbacks in the LFC seem to feel this is the year for the Eagles.NICK BRADLEYAbington Heights, QBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I want the Eagles to win because most of my family are Eagles fans.CHASE TADDONIORiverside, ATHPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I think everyone knows that Saquon is close to unstoppable, but I think the key factor will be the Eagles defense getting home in the pass rush and their ability to put the Chiefs in long down and distance situations.LOGAN OLSOMMERDelaware Valley, PunterPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: Nobody has been able to prove they can stop the Chiefs offense.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 5, Kansas City Chiefs 1Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley scores a touchdown during the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)THE SAQUON EFFECTIn the recent past, quarterbacks have gained a lot of attention and accolades. Football in NEPA: the sport has long been defined by ground-and-pound offense. While coaches are doing their best to be innovative and expand the field, running backs feel a little disrespected or pushed to the back burner. Enter Saquon Barkley. This year, the dynamic Penn State graduate brought a spotlight back to the position and increased its value. His explosive runs, sprints to the end zone, and reverse leaping over defenders have caught the attention of fans. All three running backs from the All-Region team feel that No. 26 is the difference in leading the Eagles to the championship.JOSH VINTONWestern Wayne, RBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I would like to see the Eagles win so that the Chiefs don’t three-peat, and I would like to see Saquon get a ring.JAKOB LESHERMid Valley, RBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I feel they faced more adversity throughout the season and are more prepared for this game than the Chiefs. Kansas City’s luck runs out Sunday.ISAAC RYONLackawanna Trail, RBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I think that the Eagles will win, because I feel like their offense is unstoppable with that strong run and pass game. Their defense is also stacked.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 8, Kansas City Chiefs 1 – Is this starting to look like a trend?IN THE TRENCHESFootball is won here. Let’s be honest, yes, Saquon Barkley has been great all season, Patrick Mahomes is a timely playmaker, and Jalen Hurts can power an offense with his arm and his legs. None of this is possible without the massive bodies protecting these star players. This year’s All-Region group on offense paved the way for outstanding seasons for the top players in the LFC. They watch a game differently. It’s not Fantasy Football to these gladiators. It’s about power and little glory.On the offensive side, this group looks at the dominance and Pro Bowl stars of the Philadelphia Eagles and sees a clear advantage. Only one player sees Kansas City as the favorite.AMBROSE ROSSIScranton Prep, OLPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: They need revenge from two years ago. Patrick Mahomes is a great player with a great team, but they won’t be able to stop Saquon and the Eagles offensive line.DYJEERE WEEKESScranton, OLPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I think the Eagles are going to win because of the dominance of their defense.LUCAS EVANSLackawanna Trail, OLPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I think their offensive line is the reason why they have had a dominant run game all season long, and I just can’t see the Chiefs stopping them.BYRON AXTELLScranton Prep, OLPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: Two years ago they lost right at the end, and they’re having a great season. They have guys like Saquon who are unstoppable.WYATT RUTHERFORDHonesdale, OLPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: Kansas City, because the Chiefs are better coached, have better quarterback play, and a winning DNA. Patrick Mahomes can’t lose.Western Wayne’s Vincent Baldini and Evan Dean bring down Berwick’s Ty’Meere Wilkerson during the fourth quarter. JESSE CAREY / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERCAYD SESPICOAbington Heights, DEPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: Although I’m not “rooting” for a specific team because I am a born and raised Steelers fan, I think (and am hoping) that the Eagles can pull it off because of their new addition, Saquon Barkley, along with the already well-known Jalen Hurts and his offense, along with their penetrating defense. The Chiefs might have some tricks up their sleeves, but there’s nothing wrong with the Eagles running a little ball down their throats, as well as a good passing rhythm. My hopes might be up, but without unnecessary penalties and with good, hard, playing football, the Eagles might just end the Chiefs’ streak of Super Bowl wins.ELIJAH HOUDERSHIELDTCarbondale Area, DLPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I think the Eagles are going to win because of their strong offensive line and Saquon to run behind them, and when they want to throw, they have two good receivers, and they have a great defense.TAVIAN BRANCHRiverside, DLPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 31-28Why: They have the best running back in the league, and I think he will be the game changer.TRAVIS SHARPLESScranton Prep, DLPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: The Eagles hands down have the best defense in the league, forcing turnover after turnover. Jalen Hurts and the passing game are extremely underrated. He will be able to throw all over the Chiefs defense when they run Cover 0 or when they blitz. The Chiefs are not stopping Saquon and the best O-line in the league. Go Birds!EVAN DEANWestern Wayne, DLPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: Patrick Mahomes always finds a way to win, and the Chiefs defense will limit Saquon Barkley and make the Eagles throw the ball.NICK JACKSONMid Valley. DLPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: They have a top 3 run defense in the league, and also Patrick Mahomes doesn’t lose the big games.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 16, Kansas City Chiefs 4 IN-DEPTH ANALYSISEach season when the players are asked to pick the Super Bowl and give reasons, one often sticks out as a player who is destined to be either a future coach or broadcast analyst.It is no surprise that these players are considered captains on their respective teams.WESTON YANNONESusquehanna, DBPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: There are many reasons why I believe this, but the main reason is because of Patrick Mahomes. Don’t get me wrong; I am not a fan of the Chiefs one bit, but Patrick Mahomes is an outstanding quarterback. He is a very elusive playmaker and quick decision-maker. I like him so much because he has a big winning mentality. Patrick does not like to lose, and he contributes a lot towards the team to make sure that doesn’t happen. I do think it is going to be a very close game and very high-scoring. The Eagles have a great team with Saquon as their RB. He is an amazing player who deserves a ring, but I don’t think he will be able to break free very often against the Chiefs defensive line.REESE TANNERScranton Prep, LBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I have the Eagles winning by 8. The Eagles have a great defense that forces a ton of turnovers. They will make it difficult for Mahomes to move the ball. Offensively, Hurts and the passing game are very underrated because the spotlight often goes to Saquon, but the passing game always brings big plays. They also have the best running game in the league. No chance the Chiefs are stopping Saquon and the offensive line.GIANNI MARINOValley View, LBPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 35-24Why: The Eagles will dominate on defense, while Saquon Barkley will have 250+ total yards and Jalen Hurts will throw for 150+ yards. The Eagles will have one interception and two forced fumbles with a game-winning sack.WILL McPARTLANDScranton Prep, DBPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: I have the Chiefs winning because Patrick Mahomes cannot be stopped in the playoffs. I also think the Eagles rushing offense is going to struggle against the Chiefs’ defense. The Eagles have had an easy playoff run and are not prepared.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 18, Kansas City Chiefs 6 Eagles fans packed Elmwood Park Zoo last Saturday for a pre-Super Bowl pep rally.(Photo provided by Elmwood Park Zoo)LONGTIME FANDOMAs residents in NEPA, several players will be cheering on their favorite team from Philadelphia. Unsolicited advice for all of the players who are supporting their favorite team: Please try to enjoy and appreciate the moment regardless of the outcome. I can still remember the first time that the Los Angeles Rams played in the big game in January of 1980 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the dynasty of that era. The Rams played hard and lost; it saddened me, but I listened to broadcasters say the team was young and would be back. Well, it took 20 years before they returned, and that time, while being located in St. Louis, they won the Lombardi Trophy. In my lifetime, the Rams have played in the big game five times. They are 2-3. I still get ill every time there is a replay of Adam Vinatieri’s field goal splitting the uprights for New England’s win the first time and Rob Gronkowski’s ridiculous catch that sparked a second triumph. As a fan, you always want to win, but appreciate that there are only two teams that get to play in front of the whole world on Super Bowl Sunday. Try to enjoy it.SHANE BROWERAbington Heights WRPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 34-24Why: I have been a fan forever. Go Birds!GAVIN RAPOCHMid Valley, LBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I think the Eagles are going to win because they are my favorite team. I believe they have the better team across the board, and they are more hungry than the Chiefs, especially after Super Bowl LVII. Go Birds!SEAN OWENSWestern Wayne, ATHPick: Kansas City ChiefsWhy: The Chiefs are going to win. We’ve already seen this game before, but their defense is a lot better now, and Patrick Mahomes had three No. 1 receivers compared to the mediocre receiving corps they had the last time they played. The Eagles are a good team, but just aren’t like that respectfully. My brother is a huge Eagles fan, so it would mean a lot for his team to lose. Go Chiefs!Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 20, Kansas City Chiefs 7SHORT AND TO THE POINTA lot of the players are succinct; they have their pick, and they are sticking to it.NICK KUCHARSKIValley View, DBPick: Kansas City Chiefs, 31-24Why: Kansas City has won two straight titles and knows how to win the big games.RICHIE KOSTOFFRiverside, TEPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: Saquon Barkley is going to give Kansas City major problems.DEMITRIUS DOUGLASLackawanna Trail, LBPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 28-27Why: No reason. Maybe he just likes the Eagles.MICHAEL IUZZOLINODelaware Valley, DBPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I don’t think the Chiefs can stop the Eagles running game.SHAWN THEODOREAbington Heights, WRPick: Philadelphia EaglesWhy: I want the Eagles to win. However, I don’t think it’s wise to bet against the Chiefs. They always find ways to have the ball in their hands when it matters.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Kansas City Chiefs 8Riverside kicker Santino D’Amico during a football practice in Taylor on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) NO SURPRISE HEREIt would be more of a shock if the kicker for the All-Region team believed the game would end any other way than with a field goal. Considering that the Chiefs put the game on ice the last time they played the Eagles in the Super Bowl with a short field goal, it also makes sense that this is the pick here.SANTINO D’AMICORiverside, KickerPick: Kansas City Chiefs, 31-28Why: The Chiefs secure the three-peat with a Harrison Butker game-winning field goal.Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Kansas City Chiefs 9 Best buds? Certainly seemed that way with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, left, and quarterback Jalen Hurts after the Eagles won the NFC Championship over the Washington Commanders Sunday at the Linc. (Matt Slocum – The Associated Press)THE VERDICTThe Philadelphia Eagles are the overwhelming favorite among this year’s All-Region team players.There were 13 players selected to the offense that chose the Eagles and three that chose the Chiefs.Ten defensive players chose the Eagles, and six chose the Chiefs.Riverside coach Harry Armstrong chose the Eagles.This is the second time the players from the LFC selected the Eagles to defeat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.Enjoy the game.Originally Published: February 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM EST

It is a tradition like no other: the much-anticipated 11th annual All-Region Team picks the Super Bowl post.RICHIE KOSTOFFAbington Heights, DEWhy: I want the Eagles to win. However, I don’t think it’s wise to bet against the Chiefs. They always find ways to have the ball in their hands when it matters. Here is a […]

It is a tradition like no other: the much-anticipated 11th annual All-Region Team picks the Super Bowl post.RICHIE KOSTOFFAbington Heights, DEWhy: I want the Eagles to win. However, I don’t think it’s wise to bet against the Chiefs. They always find ways to have the ball in their hands when it matters.

Here is a look back at how the legends of the past did:

Pick: Philadelphia EaglesNICK KUCHARSKIWhy: The Eagles hands down have the best defense in the league, forcing turnover after turnover. Jalen Hurts and the passing game are extremely underrated. He will be able to throw all over the Chiefs defense when they run Cover 0 or when they blitz. The Chiefs are not stopping Saquon and the best O-line in the league. Go Birds!Football is won here. Let’s be honest, yes, Saquon Barkley has been great all season, Patrick Mahomes is a timely playmaker, and Jalen Hurts can power an offense with his arm and his legs. None of this is possible without the massive bodies protecting these star players. This year’s All-Region group on offense paved the way for outstanding seasons for the top players in the LFC. They watch a game differently. It’s not Fantasy Football to these gladiators. It’s about power and little glory.Scranton Prep, DLThe Philadelphia Eagles are the overwhelming favorite among this year’s All-Region team players.Scranton Prep, DBWhy: Two years ago they lost right at the end, and they’re having a great season. They have guys like Saquon who are unstoppable.Why: I have the Chiefs winning because Patrick Mahomes cannot be stopped in the playoffs. I also think the Eagles rushing offense is going to struggle against the Chiefs’ defense. The Eagles have had an easy playoff run and are not prepared.Pick: Philadelphia EaglesPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 28-24* 2023: AR TEAM: 49ERS over Chiefs / WINNER: CHIEFS* 2015 AR TEAM: PANTHERS over Broncos / WINNER: BRONCOSWestern Wayne, RBRiverside, TEPick: Kansas City Chiefs, 31-24

AWARD WINNER PICKS

Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 18, Kansas City Chiefs 6 On the offensive side, this group looks at the dominance and Pro Bowl stars of the Philadelphia Eagles and sees a clear advantage. Only one player sees Kansas City as the favorite.Why: They need revenge from two years ago. Patrick Mahomes is a great player with a great team, but they won’t be able to stop Saquon and the Eagles offensive line.Valley View, DBLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERLOGAN OLSOMMERTicker: Philadelphia Eagles 3, Kansas City Chiefs 0SHAWN THEODORE

Riverside kicker Santino D'Amico during a football practice in Taylor on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer) — Riverside kicker Santino D’Amico during a football practice in Taylor on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)

TAVIAN BRANCH

NO SURPRISE HERE

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles, 35-24Each season when the players are asked to pick the Super Bowl and give reasons, one often sticks out as a player who is destined to be either a future coach or broadcast analyst.In addition to Paris, there were three other players who were quarterbacks for their respective teams chosen for this year’s All-Region Team. With the evolution of the position, quarterbacks are doing much more, which includes throwing and running. With Paris’ selection of the Eagles, it is interesting to see that the other quarterbacks also are looking in favor of the Eagles 3-1, with only Delaware Valley’s Logan Olsommer, who was named to the All-Region team as a punter, going with the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs being such a quarterback-driven team with Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion, the quarterbacks in the LFC seem to feel this is the year for the Eagles.AMBROSE ROSSIWestern Wayne, DLAfter failing to correctly choose the winner last year, the past All-Region teams have a record of 5-5 in picking the big game.

Best buds? Certainly seemed that way with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, left, and quarterback Jalen Hurts after the Eagles won the NFC Championship over the Washington Commanders Sunday at the Linc. (Matt Slocum - The Associated Press) — Best buds? Certainly seemed that way with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, left, and quarterback Jalen Hurts after the Eagles won the NFC Championship over the Washington Commanders Sunday at the Linc. (Matt Slocum – The Associated Press)

THE VERDICT

Pick: Philadelphia EaglesLOUIS PARISWhy: I want the Eagles to win because most of my family are Eagles fans.BYRON AXTELLPick: Philadelphia Eagles, 20-16Ticker: Philadelphia Eagles 20, Kansas City Chiefs 7Originally Published: February 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM EST

HS FOOTBALL

Here is a look back at how the legends of the past did:

AWARD WINNER PICKS

NO SURPRISE HERE

THE VERDICT

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