Tomlin stares down games and never wavers

I began an objective, analytical discussion with avid Steelers fan Ralph Bayko because he asked me, “What do you think about the game?” Ralph quickly went into “we” mode, discussing his beloved team by talking about offensive tackles and backup centers while I had a more removed view, remembering the games both teams played badly and the wins earned through luck and good fortune. Las Vegas has made Green Bay the favorite by 2 1/ 2 points with Aaron Rodgers the favorite to win the game MVP trophy. Personally, I think coach Mike Tomlin of the Steelers is worth 2 1/2 points just for the way he stares down games, never wavering in that look like he expects to win. I also like Packers coach Mike McCarthy; he is one smart play caller and is also mostly an unflinching competitor. The Steelers are wearing white for the game and before you say “Disadvantage - black is more menacing,” the white-jersey team has won the last six Super Bowls and white over color is 28-16 all time. If you are a gambler, that factoid gets your attention. I’m not a gambler, and I’m interested and surprised.

No dis no dat - Last column’s analysis of the 14 schools in the Henlopen Conference stating that some sports have a tougher row to hoe than others is simply factually true and wasn’t meant as a swipe at any team that wins a conference championship. I have always said, “If there’s a trophy up for grabs that says ‘champion’ and you put that trophy in the bus, then you are a champion.” I’m not even sure why I’m defending myself on that commentary. Just Wednesday night, a writer told me, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen basketball in the state be this bad, with only a few good teams. In the Henlopen Conference boys, only four teams have winning records.” Is the writer wrong about that? No, not really. Cape boys’ lacrosse has won five state championships, but can everyone in the state play the game at Cape’s level? The answer is hardy anyone can, so if Cape lacrosse doesn’t at least make the final four, the season is a disaster. It’s all just sports talk. None of it is about disrespect, for crying out loud.

Polar talk - Once a year I am “That Guy,” the Papa Bear of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. And of all the guys I am, Polar Guy is about No. 11 on the list of things I do. Longtime friend Andy West of the Delaware State News called me Wednesday, Feb. 2, for commentary about jumping into a freezing ocean and asked how hard it was. One of my answers: “Not as hard as watching a JV girls’ basketball game.” Andy laughed and said, “I won’t quote that. It will keep us both out of trouble.” I don’t really mean it - I’m all about the girls who play junior varsity basketball. Some writers think field hockey is the most deadly sport to cover, but here at the beach field hockey rules - so a columnist can’t go field hockey jokester without the wrath of Khan coming down upon him.

Snippets - The people who know, which doesn’t include me, didn’t see it coming, but Sussex Central stuck visiting Caesar Rodney 35-29 in a Feb. 2 match. Central wrestles at Smyrna Wednesday, Feb. 9, and if Central wins, which is a big if, the team is the Henlopen Conference dual meet champion. Cape boys’ lacrosse will play Cold Spring Harbor from New York April 23, at the University of Pennsylvania Franklin Field. How cool is that - the place the Eagles beat the Packers for the NFL championship in 1960. The Cape girls’ lacrosse team, winners of 25 straight games, open the season March 22 at powerhouse Episcopal Academy. Tower Hill stopped playing Episcopal in lacrosse two years ago - just rocked too many times, I guess. Irish Eyes in Lewes is planning a serious Super Bowl Sunday - the bus will be there and Alana’s giving professional massages. So stop by for a rub and a rubdown.