Mayor, EHS football coaches catch Patriots fever with their Super Bowl picks

By Joe McConnell

The long wait is over for New England Patriot fans. They had to endure a “long” six years without their team in the Super Bowl, but now under new management the Pats are back. With new head coach Mike Vrabel and second year quarterback Drake Maye, Bob Kraft’s team is getting ready for Super Bowl LX at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California this Sunday, Feb. 8. NBC will broadcast the game, which will be seen locally on Channel 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the architects of the last dynasty from 2001 to 2019, are long gone, and have since been replaced by Vrabel and Maye. Vrabel has three Super Bowl rings from that Belichick era as its middle linebacker and part time tight end, but it’s his time now to craft the next generation top tier NFL organization that’s second to none in the eyes of opponents and fans alike. With Maye as his signal caller, he’s well on his way to create his own legacy.

The excitement emanating from Gillette Stadium is reverberating once again throughout New England and beyond. New Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen and EHS football head coach Rob DiLoreto and his staff, in particular, have caught Patriots Fever, and couldn’t wait to give their predictions and thoughts on Sunday’s game for the Everett Advocate this week.

Patriots 27 – Seahawks 13

“I think the Patriots are going to win, because of the leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye.”

Robert Van Campen

Everett Mayor

Patriots 27 – Seahawks 24

“I predict that this will be a back-and-forth game with several lead changes. Late in the fourth quarter with the game tied, the Pats will kick the game-winning field goal.”

Rob DiLoreto

EHS football head coach

Patriots 24 – Seahawks 20

“I see a lot of similarities between the 2025 Patriots and the 2001 team that won the Super Bowl. In 2001, the preseason odds were 60-1 for the Patriots to win the championship; this year they were 80-1. Both those teams played out the regular season with elite defenses, spearheaded by second year quarterbacks, who took the league over by storm. While I think Seattle has the edge over us on paper, the Patriots (should) control the time of possession, and win the turnover battle, while also playing smart football to come out on top in a close game.”

Joseph LaMonica

EHS freshman football coach

Patriots 24 – Seahawks 21

“I truly believe that special teams will play a big factor in this game. We got one of the best kick returners in the game in Marcus Jones, and I also believe that our defense is good enough to stop Seattle’s dynamic offense, (with help from quarterback) Sam Darnold, (who will) play as if he was still on the New York Jets. We will also force Seattle to punt, and Jones will take it to the house. (Head Coach Mike) Vrabel won’t leave any points on the board, so he will take his three points early on in the game to play it safe at first, and later on in the game he’ll take the three points to extend the lead.”

Sid Shrestha

EHS football assistant coach

Patriots 27 – Seahawks 24

“I believe that there will be scoring by both sides, but the Patriots will only allow two touchdowns, most likely early on. After that, they will let up only field goals.”

 Robby Riobe

EHS football defensive backs coach

Patriots 17 – Seahawks 10

“Although Seattle is a good team, I believe it will be a back-and-forth game, (but in the end) I think the Pats will be the dominant team in the fourth quarter.”

Carol Lyn Manuel

EHS football running backs coach

Patriots 24 – Seahawks 21

“I think it will be a close, physical game, where either (quarterback Drake) Maye will find a way to win it or (quarterback Sam) Darnold (will find) a way to lose it.”

Claudy St. Juste

EHS football defensive line coach

Patriots 19 – Seahawks 14

“Both teams are very good defensively, but I believe (Patriots cornerback Christian) Gonzalez will be able to lockdown (Seattle wide receiver Jason) Smith-Njigba. The Pats will also be able to pressure (quarterback Sam) Darnold, and get him to make some bad decisions with the ball to create some turnovers.”

Duane Sigsbury

EHS football defensive coordinator

Patriots 21 – Seahawks 17

“I think it will be a pretty even game. Each team is talented on both sides of the ball. Drake Maye is better on his feet, but his counterpart Sam Darnold also had a phenomenal season, even though he’s still not respected enough. The weather conditions should be better, which should help the Patriots passing game. We should be in for a great game.”

Malik Love

EHS football wide receiver coach