By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Anthony Garreffi Jr., the police chief of Sea Isle City, played quarterback, running back and defensive back during his days with the Oakcrest High School football team, class of 1991.
More recently, Garreffi has spent eight years as a coach with the Upper Township youth football league, including the last two as head coach of the varsity team.
In other words, he knows football.
So, when he makes his prediction for the Eagles-Chiefs showdown in the Super Bowl this Sunday, people might want to listen.
“I think it will be a high-scoring game. Let’s say, 34-24,” he said.
And the winner? Garreffi is picking the Birds.
“I think they have the better offense,” he said of the Eagles. “I think Kansas City will need a good offense to stay close, but that’s not going to happen.”
Others in Sea Isle are joining with Garreffi in predicting a big win for the Eagles. Philly fans around town are showing their loyalty to the Birds by decorating their homes with green lights and Eagles flags. A “Go Eagles” sign is prominently displayed in front of the Sea Isle City Welcome Center.
“As we all know, ‘Eagles Fever’ has swept our region,” Sea Isle Mayor Leonard Desiderio declared.
Desiderio noted that Sea Isle even has a hometown hero on the Eagles: All-Pro and Pro-Bowl center Jason Kelce his wife, Kylie, bought a summer vacation home in the resort last year and are well-known in town.
The Kelce connection has Desiderio totally convinced that the Eagles are heading for the championship.
“EAGLES!!!!” he exclaimed in a text emphasizing his prediction with all capital letters.
“I believe that they are destined to win and with Sea Isle City homeowner Jason Kelce they will. Fly Eagles fly!!” the mayor added.
Jason’s brother Travis, the star tight end for Kansas City, also is known in Sea Isle. The two brothers will pop up together at the beach or for drinks or dinner at local bars and restaurants during the summer.
“As exciting as it is for those of us who will be cheering on the Eagles this Sunday, I can only imagine how exciting it must for the parents of Travis and Jason Kelce, who reportedly are the first brothers to play on opposing conference teams in Super Bowl history,” Desiderio wrote in Sea Isle’s community newsletter Thursday.
“As you may know, Jason Kelce is a property owner in Sea Isle City – and we are very proud to have him as a member of our community! I wish both of the Kelce brothers good luck this Sunday, and I hope to see the entire Kelce family in Sea Isle City next summer (including Jason, as a two-time Super Bowl champion),” he added.
Other Eagles fans in Sea Isle are going with Philly all the way. Here are their predictions:
Sea Isle City Council President Mary Tighe:
“I believe the Eagles will win because of the heart that the team has been playing with this season, along with the skilled players.”
Kathy Larkin, manager of the Ocean Drive bar and sister property O’Donnell’s Pour House:
“I definitely want the Eagles to win. I hope it’s a great game. I hope both teams do well. I think it’s going to be a high-scoring game. But I think the Eagles are going to win.”
Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood & Dock Restaurant:
“Eagles 34, Kansas City 27. The Eagles have a relentless defense. I think they’re a hungrier team. I don’t think Kansas City will be able to handle our passing attack. I don’t think Kansas City’s defense can cover our receivers. I think the Eagles’ receivers are going to have a banner day.”
Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer:
“I predict that it will be an exciting game – unlike many past Super Bowl matchups. The Eagles will win. Eagles 21, Chiefs 17. Go Birds!”
Patti Lloyd, president of the VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary and one-time Eagles season-ticket holder with her husband, Mark Lloyd, commander of Post 1963:
“I am a diehard Eagles fan for years. I’m thinking Eagles 21-17. I just think we’re a better team. As long as everyone stays healthy and Jalen Hurts does well, we’re good to go.”
Chris Glancey, local developer and business owner, including The Ludlam Hotel:
“I like the Eagles. We have the better defense, and defense wins championships!”
