NFL:

With Sunday’s Super Bowl just three days away, we reached out to San Gabriel Valley area football coaches and players to get their input.

While putting this together, I fully expected the defending champs to be the overwhelming choice.

But because of the long and brilliant career of Tom Brady, and by a 10-8 margin, their consensus is that Tampa Bay will win its first championship in 18 years on Sunday.

Regardless of the outcome, the head-to-head showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Brady is arguably one of, if not the most intriguing in Super Bowl history.

Mahomes, the most consequential player in the NFL today, has a career record of 38-8, and has thrown 114 touchdown passes, as compared to 24 interceptions.

Brady, who is recognized by most as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, has thrown for 581 career TD’s, and is nearing 80,000 passing yards.

The 43-year old has compiled 230 career victories, which is 44 greater than second-place Brett Favre.

And his record 33 career playoff wins is 17 more than the great Joe Montana.

Game Info:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs (16-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-5)

What: Super Bowl 55

Where: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)

When: Sunday at 3:30

Game & Individual Odds:

Point Spread: KC favored by 3.5
Over-Under: 56.5 (Combined Points Scored)

Over-Under Prop Bets: (whether you think they go over-or-under that number)
Patrick Mahomes (KC): Passing Yards: (327.5)
Tom Brady (TB): Passing Yards: (296.5)
Leonard Fournette (TB) Rushing Yards: (47.5)
Darrel Williams: (KC) Rushing Yards: (32.5)
Tyreek Hill (KC): Receiving Yards: (91.5)
Travis Kelce (KC): Receiving Yards: (97.5)
Mike Evans (TB): Receiving Yards: (62.5)
Chris Godwin (TB): Receiving Yards: (71.5)

Predictions:

Rio Hondo Prep coach, Mark Carson:
Winner: TB
Why: I think the TB defense can slow Mahomes enough to keep it close and Brady will find a way to win
Score: 24-21

West Covina coach, Mike Maggiore:
Winner: KC
Why: I think they just have a better overall team. Their offensive line depth will be a question but I think the coaches will put them in best position possible. Also EB is a really good guy and I always pull for him
Score: 35-31

St. Francis coach, Ted Corcoran:
Winner: KC
Why: I think we are looking at the beginning of a new dynasty with Mahomes and all his weapons and Andy Reid’s creativity.
Score: 31-21

San Dimas coach, Mark Holman:
Winner: TB
Why: Kansas City has more firepower, however, Tampa Bay does have a solid defense and Tom Brady will lead the Bucs offense.
Score: 38-33

San Dimas quarterback, Ryan Bulick:
Winner: TB
Why: Brady and the Bucs offense are unstoppable right now.
Score: 30-24

Glendora receiver-defensive back, Matt Gonzales:
Winner: KC
Why: I have the Chiefs. They have too many weapons on offense and I think they’ll come up with some big stops late in the game on defense.
Score: 31-27

Glendora quarterback, Johnnie Valdez:
Winner: TB
Why: The Bucs have a solid defense and will control Mahomes and the offense. Brady is good enough to make big plays and drive on the KC defense.
Score: 35-24

El Rancho coach, Adrian Medrano:
Winner: TB
Why: They have an underrated defense, Fournette is running well and they have some guy named Tom Brady with a ton of experience.
Score: 28-24

Bonita quarterback, Sean Jastrab:
Winner: TB
Why: I think they win because they have the greatest quarterback of all time. They also have a better defense and should be able to control the game/
Score: 31-27

Charter Oak coach, Dominick Farrar:
Winner: KC
Why: Chiefs explosive play ability on offense creates matchup issues for Buccaneers defense. Chiefs have an answer for everything you do on defense. Reid, Bienemy and Mahomes with two weeks to plan. Time to pass the torch to Mahomes.
Score: 34-24

Muir quarterback, Jack Clougherty:
Winner: TB
Why: Tom Brady is too good and knows how to clutch up in these big games. I feel the Buccaneers defense is ready to stop the Chiefs. I could never bet against Tom Brady.
Score: 45-35

Rio Hondo Prep running back, Jonathan Guerrero:
Winner: TB
Why: because of how they have been playing. Their defense looks better than Chiefs defense, their offense is probably not as strong as KC, but I think Tom Brady with his experience will make it work and will do better than Patrick Mahomes. I thinks it’s going to be close.
Score: 27-24

Former St. Francis/current U of San Diego player, Tanner Tomko:
Winner: KC
Why: I don’t think the Bucs defense will be able to stop the Chiefs offense. They are too dominant.
Score: 38-21

Longtime sports writer, Steve Ramirez:
Winner: KC
Why: I don’t think TB can outscore Mahomes, who is never out of a game, even when down 24-0 to start a playoff game.
Score: 34-31

West Covina High captain, Jason Chang:
Winner: TB
Why: I think the Buccaneers are going to win because this is Tom Brady’s 10th time going to Super Bowl, so in my opinion, Brady’s experience is going to help them score and win.
Score: 36-24

La Salle coach, Ben Buys:
Winner: KC
Why: Mahomes. Period. Plus, the defense is legit, not to mention all the other weapons on the offensive side of the ball. It’s hard to count Brady out, but I will.
Score: 35-21

Former Pasadena Poly star, Franco Alonso:
Winner: KC
Why: They have proven that it’s almost impossible to stop their offense for four quarters.
Score: 34-24

PCC football coach, Steven Mojarro:
Winner: TB
Why: It’s just a magical year and career for Tom Brady, and we’re about to see the greatness one last time. Tampa Bay also has an outstanding defense and will be able to contain Mahomes.
Score: 34-31