Geaux Saints!
Or, others would say they are members of the Horseshoe Club.
Either way, local residents are excited about Super Bowl XLIV this Sunday in Miami when the Indianapolis Colts (16-2) and New Orleans Saints (15-3) face-off for the world title in football.
Some people said they have sympathy for the Saints — who have never been in the Super Bowl before and had a record so bad that fans called them “The Aints.” Then, Hurricane Katrina devastated the coastal city in 2005, including their venue at the Louisiana Superdome. Their record that year was 3-13, and have had to rebuild.
“They’re the underdog and they never went to the Super Bowl before,” said Randy Smith, of Herkimer.
“I’m sentimental to New Orleans, especially because of what they’ve been through,” said George Lang, of Little Falls. He also said he was rooting for them because Utican Will Smith is playing for the team. He had been cheering for the Minnesota Vikings until the Saints beat them in the NFC Championship game Jan. 24.
Lang said he also wanted to see the Saints win since the Colts won it three years ago.
Bart Carrig, of Little Falls, also said he wanted to see the Saints win.
“I liked pretty much every team that was in the playoffs this year. I’m leaning towards the Saints with all they have been through,” he said.
They even had the sympathy of one woman in Herkimer who said, “I don’t really watch football, but I’m going for the Saints.”
But, some say the Colts will win the title game because they have the skill with Peyton Manning as their quarterback. The Colts have been to the Super Bowl three times (twice as the Baltimore Colts) and won in 2007.
“They’re the better of the two teams,” said Meghan Binney, of Mohawk.
Jon Kent, of Ilion, agreed.
“I think they’re a better team all over,” he said.
Friends Keke Aikens and Delorah Estey were split. Aikens said she liked the Colts because her father is a fan. Estey said she liked the Saints.
One woman said she did not have a preference since the Buffalo Bills did not make it in. Others asked said they did not even know who was playing.
Herkimer, N.Y. —
