By R. Vincent Tupaz
For Variety

AS they say on Guam, “a ric ric roo!”
O my goodness didja get a good look at that game yesterday. What a thriller, I’m referencing the Colts versus Patriots show. Peyton Manning has thrown the monkey wrench out the door and is on his way to the Super Bowl. And don’t forget those from Chicago cause they’re back and Big Time! And though they blew out my beloved Saints so what - the Saints need to do better than the 14 points they put up; after all, it’s the Super Bowl baby.
I have a special affinity for the Bears because it was the during the Bears’ appearance in Super Bowl XX when I first realized I had the football bug. Remember the rap - old school style, of the Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle?” Anyways, I was a fifth grade student and learned then and there that football was my game.
You know, it might have been nice to see a rematch of the New England Patriots vs. the Chicago Bears, and didn’t it look like it was going to pan out that way. But never-you –mind, the Patriots have been to the big show enough this decade. Let’s see some new teams respond and react under the glorious pressure that is the Super Bowl.
The Bears brought it to the house and those who knew – knew they would take the game from the start as the sleet and snow at Soldier’s Field, proved a great home team advantage as they took the game from the start in the NFC Championship game. The sloppy footing that forced the talents of fancy feet helped keep the Saints at bay and proved the Bears worthy at the end 39-14.
The more exciting game was in the AFC match, via the old rivalry of the Patriots vs. Colts. Well at least the second half was exciting as the Manning Show began. Some would say the Patriots got so, so, “stoopit” at the second to last possession wasting time on dangerous pass plays and forcing a Field Goal to take the lead with still plenty of time for the Colts to go when Stephen Gostkowski split the uprights for a 34-31 lead. The Colts in the game’s final possession would put an end to the rivalry when Manning worked his magic some 80 yards after a touchback to score with a run in by Joseph Addai and good game nailing extra point for a 38-34 thriller and send-off into Super Bowl XLI.
Anyhow, where will you watch Super Bowl XLI? A personal favorite of mine has always been Planet Hollywood. Though they are quite pricey at about $40 per ticket, the cause is always a good one, and proceeds, at least in the past, went to towards the Guam Youth Football League. However, this year I think I’ll head to the Crown Plaza and watch at this new up and coming club called the “Zu.” It’s got a good atmosphere and friendly hosts in Maury Nishihira and Jean Wai. Call’em at 647-4456. Hope to see you there!! Enjoy the game.
R. Vincent Tupaz is a former beat reporter for the Variety, journalism teacher, and entrepreneur and a “has been” football player and coach. Currently he’s an all around nice guy. Feedback, comments, and or suggestions are always appreciated via email at mvsports@gmail.com . Please send angry comments elsewhere.