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Local Coaches Make Super Bowl Picks
High school football experts weigh in on the big game
Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:31pm
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As the Super Bowl approaches, local high school football coaches share their predictions and insights on the matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. The coaches analyze the strengths of each team, from the Seahawks' stifling defense to the Patriots' veteran leadership, and make their picks for who will come out on top.
Why it matters
High school coaches often have a more in-depth understanding of the game than casual fans, thanks to their film study and on-field experience. Their Super Bowl predictions provide a unique perspective that can offer valuable insights into how the big game might play out.
The details
The coaches highlighted the key factors they believe will determine the outcome, such as the Seahawks' dominant defensive line, the Patriots' situational play-calling, and the play of young quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold. Several coaches praised the coaching staffs of both teams, particularly Patriots defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel and Seahawks defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
- The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 11, 2026.
The players
New England Patriots
A professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area that competes in the National Football League (NFL).
Seattle Seahawks
A professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington that competes in the National Football League (NFL).
Drake Maye
The starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
Sam Darnold
The starting quarterback for the New England Patriots.
Mike Vrabel
The head coach of the New England Patriots.
Mike Macdonald
The defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
What they’re saying
“Seattle has an edge with its defense. Sam Darnold is playing at a high level and Mike Macdonald is a tremendous defensive young coach, but I'm actually going with New England. Situationally, they've been good all season and Mike Vrabel has been great in those situations.”
— Daniel Kilgore, Providence Academy coach (timesnews.net)
“I've been a huge fan of Mike Macdonald for a few years. He does an exceptional job defensively and culturally. I think their ability to establish a run game and create chunks and explosive plays with JSN will be the difference.”
— Josh Hensley, Cherokee coach (timesnews.net)
“Seattle's defense is tough and Sam Darnold is playing good enough to hit some deep balls. This will keep the Patriots defense backed up enough to consistently run the ball.”
— Zac Benfield, Cloudland coach (timesnews.net)
“Seattle's defensive line is just too good. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker will be the the best offensive weapons in the game. I think Drake Maye will struggle against the pass rushers, especially if they can keep him from taking off and running with the ball.”
— Michael Lunsford, Hampton coach (timesnews.net)
“Seattle has the best defense in the league, and Sam Darnold is playing so well. The Patriots are so good as well.”
— Stacy Carter, Science Hill coach (timesnews.net)
What’s next
The Super Bowl will be played on February 11, 2026.
The takeaway
The local high school coaches provide a unique and informed perspective on the upcoming Super Bowl matchup, highlighting the strengths of both the Patriots and Seahawks. Their predictions offer a glimpse into how the big game might unfold, with the Seahawks' stifling defense and the Patriots' veteran leadership emerging as key factors that could determine the outcome.
