Super guesses on Super Bowl

Game on.

For a seventh consecutive season, The Sun’s annual game within pro football’s biggest game is officially under way.

We have tapped 100 local and national celebrities to compete for prognostication glory as part of The Sun’s “Super Bold VII” prediction challenge.

Meanwhile the “other” big game, Super Bowl XLIV, is set to kick off at 5:25 p.m. Central Standard Time Sunday on CBS and 810 WHB Radio, live from Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

There, the question rages: Will famed Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts recapture Super Bowl glory? Or will the long-suffering fans of the Big Easy finally be rewarded with their first-ever NFL championship courtesy of cool-headed quarterback Drew Brees and star running back Reggie Bush (not to mention Bush’s star girlfriend, Kim Kardashian)?

Stay tuned.

As of Sunday night, Las Vegas had inserted the Colts as a 5½ point favorite.

Our sharp-eyed selectors picked the Colts by seven points more than any other pick. In keeping with the point spread, the Colts camp outdistanced those leaning toward the underdog Saints. Still, the Saints received plenty in the way of love.

A quick tip of the helmet to our Hall of Fame. Our past Super Bold champions are, in order, beginning with Super Bold I: Bryan Busby, KMBC-TV 9 chief meteorologist; Tyler Cundith, Johnson County Community College sports information director; Craig Ewing, head boys and girls soccer coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Luke Hudson, Royals pitcher; Brad Stephens, KCTV5 News anchor; and Marleik, an R&B singer.

A special thank you goes out to Hollywood publicist Paul Shefrin for his once-again invaluable contributions; along with Royals Director of Media Relations David Holtzman; and MTV “Real World” and challenge show alumnus Wes Bergmann of Leawood. The Sun’s hard-driving editorial staff also helped provide access to the stars.

We hope you, Sun readers, will keep these picks handy to follow along in the fun and enhance your own game-day experience.

COLTS

Colts by 21

Amy Hawley, KSHB-TV 41 News anchor, 42-21. “Two words: Peyton Manning.”

Colts by 18

Greg Gurley, KU basketball announcer, ex-player and former Shawnee Mission South High School star, 74-56. “I’m not sold on New Orleans’ defense. Indianapolis’ defense is underrated. It’s going to be an awesome Super Bowl, though.”

Colts by 17

Mark Dewar, Sun sports editor, 37-20. “Generally, you walk before you run at the Super Bowl, and these Saints need to do a little more walking. And did I mention Peyton?” 

Colts by 14

Willie Bloomquist, Royals infielder and outfielder, 45-31. “Colts get up big early and the Saints make the score closer than the game really is with some mop-up points. Manning has a huge day against a weak Saints defense.”

Kelly Goodburn, former KC Chiefs punter, 35-21. “I think the Colts defense is better than the Saints defense.”

Mike Livingston, former KC Chiefs quarterback, 38-24. “I just think they have the best team, especially with Peyton Manning. He’s a special player.”

John Landsberg, bottomlinecom.com and sports columnist, 38-24. “The game can be summarized very simply: Peyton Manning. He is such a tremendous talent that he raises the play of everyone around him. They can present him with the MVP trophy before the game starts.”

JaRon Rush, former UCLA basketball player and Pembroke Hill star, 28-14. “I believe the Colts defense will stop Drew Brees more than the New Orleans Saints will be able to stop Peyton Manning.”

Colts by 13

Devon Farrar, Leawood’s 810 Zone server, 34-21. “The Colts will be able to stop the Saints offense, and Peyton Manning will dominate as usual.”

John Holt, WDAF TV 4 news anchor, 34-21. “While hearts will be cheering for a New Orleans victory, another Manning, ‘Saint’ Archie’s son, will lead Indy to a workmanlike victory.”

Colts by 11

Joel Branstrom, Olathe Northwest head girls basketball coach, former KU hoops walk-on and national sensation after he recently hit a half-court shot blindfolded, 28-17. “There’s no particular thing. I kind of like the work ethic. The Colts kind of grind it out.”

Tim Grunhard, former Chiefs All-Pro center and current head football coach at Bishop Miege High School, 28-17. “You can’t bet against Peyton Manning. He has experience in big games and is from New Orleans. It’s just meant to be.”

Mike Zegunis, Blue Valley Northwest High School head football coach, 41-30. “I think the Colts have a better defense. Defense wins. And how can you go against Peyton Manning?”

Colts by 10

Matt Besler, KC Wizards defender and former Blue Valley West High School star, 38-28. “There is no way that the Colts fumble as many times as the Vikings did, and Peyton Manning is simply Peyton Manning.”

Elizabeth Hyder, Paddy O’Quigley’s Leawood server, 38-28. “Because Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the league.”

Kyle Weafer, Blue Valley Northwest High School football player/wrestler and national “Rudy Award” finalist, 31-21. “Manning has been there while Brees has not. The AFC continues its decade of Super Bowl dominance.”

Colts by 9

Mark Parkinson, Kansas governor, 21-12. Still, “It sure would be nice to see New Orleans bring a victory home.”

Peter Vermes, KC Wizards technical director/manager, 33-24. “I have to go with Peyton Manning. He is the best quarterback in the NFL, and his attention to detail and experience are second to none.”

Colts by 8

Gene Johnson, Shawnee Mission School District superintendent, 35-27. “Indianapolis has a greater amount of playoff experience, along with seasoned key players such as quarterback Peyton Manning.”

Don Rickles, comedian, 21-13. “Brees is great, but Manning is a step ahead.”

Colts by 7

Donnie Campbell, Blue Valley West head boys basketball coach and ex-KSU quarterback, 31-24. “Being a former QB, I love both of the quarterbacks playing in this game. I just think Peyton Manning is the best ever. He is just an unbelievable leader and player. He wills his teams to wins on the field. He sees the game quicker and better than anyone I think that has ever played the game.”

David DeJesus, Royals outfielder, 42-35. “They’re gonna win because Peyton Manning is the best quarterback other than Trent Edwards, and the Colts have been there and won before.”

Craig Ewing, head boys and girls soccer coach, St. Thomas Aquians High School, 38-31. “I am looking for an entertaining battle between the two beset quarterbacks. Edge to Manning. Edge to Indy’s pass rush.”

Carl Gerlach, Overland Park mayor, 28-21. “Peyton all the way. He’s obviously the player of the year, and I think his experience will make the difference.”

Alex Gordon, Royals third baseman, 38-31. “Peyton Manning is a stud.”

Sharita Hutton, WDAF-TV 4 reporter, 34-27. “Because Reggie Bush said if the Saints win he will marry Kardashian, and I like him too much to see that happen.”

Larry Moore, KMBC-TV 9 news anchor, 21-14. “I’m looking for a hard-fought game with two teams led by two of the league’s best quarterbacks. I feel the experience, the winning tradition and the honed skills of Peyton Manning will win out in the end and the Colts escape with a narrow victory.”

George Sallas, Shawnee Mission North High School athletic director, 24-17. “Indy has a former Shawnee Mission and Kansas State graduate in Ryan Lilja, and I have several friends from Indiana.”

Melana Scantlin, ‘E’ Entertainment host, 34-27. “Manning is going to pull off the Super Bowl.”

Tom Trigg, Blue Valley School District superin tendent, 31-24. “The Colts will win because they have been there before and New Orleans is excited just to be there.”

Sierra Trussell, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School senior and All-Sun Gymnast of the Year, 35-28. “Both teams have a great quarterback and great offenses, but Peyton Manning will show why he is the league MVP.”

Colts by 6

Cara Gorges, Miss Kansas USA 2007 and former second runner-up Miss USA, 43-37. “Peyton Manning is my future husband, and I have to stand by my man.”

Colts by 4

Bryan Busby, KMBC-TV 9 chief meteorologist, 35-31. “As long as Manning stays upright and on the field, the Colts should win. However, the Saints are riding high right now, and that hunger will make it a closer than expected match.”

Dick Clark, television personality, 28-24. “In the end, the difference will be Peyton.”

Peggy Dunn, Leawood mayor, 31-27. “The main reason for the Colts victory is because Peyton Manning is the best quarterback to ever play the game, and they have a fast and stingy defense.”

Will Spradling, Shawnee Mission South High School basketball standout and Kansas State University signee, 37-33. “I think Peyton Manning will lead the Colts to another Super Bowl victory.”

Annabeth Surbaugh, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners chairman, 21-17. “I am choosing the Colts because they used to be the Baltimore Colts, and since living in Baltimore at that time, I have followed them to Indianapolis.”

Colts by 3

Tyler Cundith, Johnson County Community College sports information director, golf instructor, 31-28. “Peyton Manning will find a way to get it done.”

Kevin Harlan, sports announcer, 27-24. “I just think Peyton Manning’s command of the total game is without equal.”

Cheryl Horseman, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School athletic secretary, 27-24. “I’m glad the Saints made it because they never have before, but I’m going with the Colts.”

Blaine Westemeyer, Gagliardi Award winner as top NCAA Division III football player for Augustana College and Blue Valley Northwest High School graduate, 31-28. “Peyton and his Colts have been here before. I also have a bias due to NCAA Division III’s Pierre Garcon.”

Colts by 2

Mickey Masterson, Blue Valley North High School assistant principal and athletic director, 44-42. “The Colts will win on a field goal in the last seconds. Peyton Manning is a winner and will get it done in the greatest Super Bowl ever played.”

Colts by 1

Mike Laplante, Overland Park Soccer Complex operations manager, 31-30. “Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning.”

SAINTS

Saints by 654

John Lehr, TV’s Geico Caveman and Shawnee Mission West High School graduate, 3,456-2,802. “Two reasons: 1) There is a Saints player named Lehr and I will be donning his jersey; 2. Peyton Manning deserves to burn in everlasting damnation for knocking the Chiefs out of the Wild Card in 2006.”

Saints by 14

Phil LaPorte, Chartroose Caboose Overland Park counter worker, 35-21. “A more explosive offense.”

Donna Pitman, KMBC-TV 9 News anchor, 21-7. “I want to see residents of the Big Easy get a big break, and this win could be a huge morale boost. I also prefer the team colors, black and gold, as a Mizzou grad. And why not root for Chase Daniel to get a ring?”

Rebecca Snodgrass, St. James Academy boys and girls tennis coach, 38-24. “They’re really determined and driven to win their first title.”

Andy Williams, singer, 28-14. “Actually I’d like Indy to win because of Peyton, but I just think it’s the Saints’ time.”

Saints by 11

Shawn Beldin, Metro Sports assignment editor, 28-17. “The ghost of still-living Archie Manning will haunt over son Peyton.”

Saints by 10

Karen Fuller, KCTV 5 News anchor, 45-35. “The Saints will put an exclamation point on their magical season with Drew Brees outgunning Manning in a shootout.”

Jack Sock, Blue Valley North High School junior, two-time defending state singles champion, No. 2 in Boys 18s on USTA national standings list, 31-21. “Because Drew Brees is going to be very calm and ready to go and the Saints are going to be extremely hungry to get that first Super Bowl win.”

Saints by 8

Taylor Dent, professional tennis player, 35-27. “Because no one has been able to stop their offense all season, and neither will the Colts.”

Saints by 7

Margaret Bain, Nick & Jake’s Overland Park server, 31-24. “The Saints are all healthy and can match plus one on the Colts.”

Jimmy Conrad, KC Wizards defender, 31-24. “I think they have more weapons than most teams the Colts have played this year. With two weeks to prepare, that gives the Saints a chance to have their injuries heal and get a game plan ready to attack the Colts defense.”

John Douglass, Overland Park police chief, 28-21. “I think it’s just karma. Like when Phoenix rose from the ashes. If anybody should win, it ought to be them.”

Mark Gubicza, Royals Hall of Fame pitcher, 31-24. “Drew Brees throws three touchdowns and Sharper intercepts a Peyton Manning last-minute pass attempt to preserve the win for the Saints.”

Darrell Mayberry, Shawnee resident, 28-21. “They used to be the ’Aints, but now …”

Chrisann Probst, Overland Park resident, 31-24. “Because the Saints have never been to the Super Bowl.”

Calvin Thompson, former KU basketball star, 25-18: “Whose numbers are those? Enough said.”

Dana Wright, KCTV5 News anchor, 31-24. “Because I’m tired of Indy.”

Saints by 4

Lewis Black, comedian, 31-27. “I was a Baltimore Colts fan when I was young and they took them away in a moving van one night. They wear the same uniforms now and have the same name, only they are in Indianapolis. I do not even recognize them as a real team. Sadly, whomever I root for seems to usually lose.”

Jim Colbert, PGA Champions Tour professional and former Bishop Miege High School quarterback, 27-23. “New Orleans is going to make three touchdowns and two field goals. Indianapolis doesn’t get in the end zone enough. Two touchdowns, three field goals.”

Kendall Gammon, KCFX KC Chiefs sideline reporter, 28-24. “New Orleans can play better than last game, and I think they’ll be motivated by that.”

Josh Grimes, Lenexa resident and footwear specialist, 28-24. “Saints defense, Drew Brees and Reggie Bush are too strong.”

Olivia Harlan, Miss Kansas Teen USA 2010, 28-24. “I want the Saints to win because I like Reggie Bush because he’s dating Kim Kardashian, who’s one of my favorite celebrities.”

Karen Kerkhoff, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens supervisor, 21-17. “I think the Saints. It’d be a Cinderella story if they won.”

Gianna Misenhelter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School senior and three-time All-Sun Girls Golfer of the Year, 28-24. “Because I am a Saint (St. Thomas Aquinas), I am going to have to say the New Orleans Saints will win.”

Saints by 3

Terry Calaway, Johnson County Community College president, 31-28. “In overtime. New Orleans has a little more rounded and diverse offense that has shown they can score on anyone. They also are masters of defensive turnovers.”

Jack Harry, KSHB-TV 41 sports anchor, 34-31. “Everything points to the Colts. But somehow, some way, I just think it’s destiny, and I kind of like the Saints to win it.”

Mitch Maier, Royals outfielder, 27-24. “I just think it’s the Saints’ time and that it will be a good game, but the Saints will kick a field goal to win it.”

KC Wolf, KC Chiefs mascot, 38-35. “Earlier this year the Saints invited me to come down and I got to mascot on Monday Night Football against the New England Patriots. So when I say my Super Bowl prayers, I am praying for the Saints.”

Trevor Releford, All-Sun 2009 boys basketball player of the year, 24-21. “I’m going for Reggie Bush. And Kim Kardashian.”

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