Two outstanding teams, the tradition-rich Pittsburgh Steelersand the surprising Arizona Cardinals, will clash in Sunday’s SuperBowl. Obviously, every NFL fan has a favorite team or a favoriteplayer involved in the game.

Can Mike Tomlin coach his first Super Bowl champion?

Can the Cardinals, with former Steelers’ assistant coach KenWhisenhunt at the helm, continue their remarkable run and claim afirst-ever Super Bowl title?

Can veteran quarterback Kurt Warner win a title for thelong-suffering Arizona faithful?

Can Ben Roethlisberger quarterback the Steelers to anotherchampionship?

Can superstar receiver Larry Fitzgerald pierce the almostimpregnable Steeler defense with his acrobatic catches?

Area football coaches provided this column with a variety ofopinions. Obviously, Arizona is the underdog and several coachesare pulling for the Cardinals. They were happy to share theirpredictions.

Glenn Davis, Co-Lin: I think Pittsburgh is going to win itbecause of their defense. I like Arizona and their wideouts arepretty good. But I don’t know if Kurt Warner will have time tothrow it. Pittsburgh 24-17.

Chris Calcote, West Lincoln: I pick Pittsburgh, because of theirdefense. I do like the quarterback for the Cardinals because he hasbeen there and done that. Pittsburgh 35-17.

Herbert Davis, Brookhaven Academy: I don’t think Arizona canscore enough on the Steelers to win. Defense wins championships.I’m pulling for the underdog. Pittsburgh 28-13.

Scotty Cline, Copiah Academy: I’m with the Steelers, no doubt.Their defense can pull it out for them. They have been there.Roethlisberger can make the big plays on offense. Pittsburgh28-10.

Wayne Rogers, Enterprise: My favorite team didn’t make it. Ilike Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals. They have done morewith less. Arizona 30-20.

Trent Hammond, Franklin County: I’m pulling for the Cardinals,probably like a lot of people. I’d like to see Kurt Warner win onebut the Steelers play such good defense and they are physical.Whisenhunt probably knows the system since he was with theSteelers. Arizona 28-24.

Mike Davis, Lawrence County: I’m going to pull for the Cardinalsbecause they are the underdogs. I know Pittsburgh is the favorite.Arizona 27-17.

Ryan Ross, Loyd Star: I know Pittsburgh is used to being there.A lot of those same players won it a few years ago. They ended theyear with the No. 1 defense. Pittsburgh 27-13.

Randy Martin, McComb: I like Arizona and Kurt Warner. He’s aclass act. Arizona 24-17.

Tommy Clopton, Wesson: My favorite team (Giants) got put out tostart with. I really like Kurt Warner. He’s a very goodquarterback. If Arizona can run the ball, they have a chance. ThatPittsburgh defense is pretty salty. Pittsburgh 24-21.

Tucker Peavey, Brookhaven: I’ve been a Steelers fan for a longtime, from back in the old days. I have a feeling Arizona is goingto win. They have the hot hand and experience at quarterback.Arizona 21-17.

Bo Milton, Parklane: I’m for the Steelers. I’ve been a Steelersfan since the ’70s. Their defense has been so good andRoethlisberger has matured as a steady quarterback. He’s hard tobring down. Pittsburgh 28-17.

Gareth Sartin, Bogue Chitto: I like the Cardinals. They arepeaking and playing their best football of the year in theplayoffs. They’ve got Larry Fitzgerald and he will be tough for theSteelers to cover. I’m pulling for Kurt Warner because he does somuch community charity work. Arizona 31-28.

Randall Huffman, South Pike: I’m pulling for Arizona. I’m justfor the underdog. I think it will be a tight ballgame. Arizona24-17.

David Virgil, Crystal Springs: It will probably be Pittsburghbecause of their defense. Pittsburgh 28-14.

Todd McDaniel, Hazlehurst: I love to see the underdog go out andcompete. I’ve got a lot of friends who are Steeler fans but I likethe underdog. If Arizona can run the football and make Pittsburghhonest with about 85 yards rushing, they have a good shot. Arizona24-21.

Who is the best hitter in Lincoln County for 2009?

Good question.

West Lincoln baseball coach Steve Barrington plans to host ahitting competition Thursday night, Feb. 5 and provide an answer.Players from Bogue Chitto, Enterprise, Loyd Star and West Lincolnare eligible to compete for the unique title: “Best Hitter InLincoln County” and the trophy that goes with it.

According to Barrington, each school must enter a minimum ofthree players and a maximum of five. Hitters will receive 15 swingsper round. All ties will be decided by head-to-head competition,with each hitter receiving five swings.

Each round will reduce the number of competitors until the finalround, featuring the top two hitters.

If you want to keep score, ground balls will count zero points.Hits over the infield will count 1 point; over 180 feet, 3 points;over 250 feet, 5 points; and a home run, 10 points.

Who will be crowned the Sultan of Swat?

Only coaches will be allowed to pitch to each hitter. Playersare not allowed to throw.

All participants will receive a T-shirt. Admission is $3 andwill benefit the West Lincoln Booster Club. Action starts at 6p.m.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com