Saturday, January 30, 1999

So, who’s gonna
win this thing?

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Hawaii has a number of current and former National Football League connections in the playing, coaching and front-office ranks.

With most of the current NFL employees in transit between their franchise cities and homes, they're difficult to reach on the eve of Super Sunday.

But the Star-Bulletin managed to catch up with four current players, one retired player, a former Punahou quarterback working for the Cleveland Browns on salary caps and scouting, and the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

That former coach, June Jones, is now Hawaii's head coach and he is hustling to win recruit commitments before Wednesday's national letter of intent day.

None of the NFL locals interviewed for their predictions on Super Bowl XXXIII's clash between Denver and Atlanta can feel a closer connection to what's happening in Miami than Jones.

He guided Atlanta between 1994 and 1996 and took the Falcons to the playoffs in 1995. He then suffered through a frustrating 1996 season that saw him give way to Dan Reeves.

But Jones's NFL heart is still with Atlanta.

Here's how Hawaii's NFL connections pick the Super Bowl:

June Jones, Hawaii head coach, former Falcons head coach: Atlanta 27, Denver 17.

''Atlanta has been the best team in football for the past year and a half. Denver will try to make the Falcons throw the ball but the Broncos don't have a real solid run defense. Chris Chandler will get the job done."

Pio Sagapolutele (Pac-Five), New Orleans Saints defensive end: Atlanta 27, Denver 24.

''If Jamal Anderson can generate 3 to 5 yards per gain, that will open up the Falcons' offense. I think Atlanta's defense is underrated. The front four doesn't really need help in getting to the quarterback, whereas Denver has lately been struggling to get to the quarterback. Atlanta has good team defensive speed."

Mike Maciszewski (Punahou), Cleveland Browns administration: Denver 31, Atlanta 23.

''Denver's defense will be very active and creative in order to neutralize Jamal Anderson and to pressure Chris Chandler. The Broncos are vulnerable in the secondary and on special teams. However, Denver will win because its running game is effective both inside and outside, which sets up some nice play-action opportunities."

Olin Kreutz (St. Louis School), Chicago Bears center: Denver 21, Atlanta 14.

''I don't think Atlanta can stop Denver's running game. A key is the offensive line and especially the Broncos' Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen. He's unbelievable. Denver's line is real effective with their zone blocking and the weak toss they run."

Itula Mili (Kahuku), Seattle Seahawks tight end: Atlanta 21, Denver 17.

''People thought Terrell Davis would lead Denver all the way, but I think that front seven of Atlanta will hold him and (Ray) Buchanan and his boys are pretty much going to do the job. They're underdogs and they're fired up."

Rich Miano (Kaiser), Hawaii secondary coach, retired NFL defensive back: Denver 24, Atlanta 21.

''Denver has two University of Hawaii football players. Maa Tanuvasa will get a sack and a half and Jason Elam will kick the winning field goal."

Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (St. Louis School), Pittsburgh Steelers running back: Atlanta 32, Denver 24.

''The Falcons have a quick defensive front and that's what you need. It's going to come down to the last drive and Atlanta is going to pull it out. I just have that feeling. Jamal Anderson is from Utah (where Fuamatu-Ma'afala played three seasons), so I will be rooting for him."