High school football players pick Super Bowl XLVI

Tom Brady, right, and Eli Manning will face off in the Super Bowl on Sunday night. AP PHOTO

It’s Super Bowl Sunday which, in my opinion, is the greatest day of the year.

Since I’ve got Super Bowl Fever, I decided to contact some Oklahoma high school football players and get their predictions for the big game.

I got several responses, so I’ll add new responses to this post as I get them up until gametime. Some gave reasons for their picks and others just gave scores.

As it stands, the Patriots lead the picks 16-12 among the high school players.

And for the record, I’m taking the Giants 27-17.

Blake Belcher, Guthrie: Patriots 34-31

Graham Bennett, Casady: Patriots 24-17
“I love the Giants … but once (Tom) Brady gets going there’s nothing you can do.”

Jared Benway, Edmond North: Patriots 28-21
“Tom Brady is too good.”

Joel Blumenthal, Deer Creek: Giants 28-17
“(The Giants) have a better D and I don’t really like Tom Brady too much.”

Austin Brooks, Oklahoma Christian School: Patriots 21-17
“Tom Brady will have a big game and the defense will step up. Also, being a Cowboys fan, I just can’t stand to see the Giants win.”

Kai Callins, Guthrie: Patriots 35-24
“Tom Brady has too many options.”

Landry Chappell, Guthrie: Giants 28-24

Casey Curtis, Putnam City: Giants 31-27

Joel Davis, Midwest City: Patriots 35-24
“The Giants haven’t really seen a big powered offense with tons of formations. That’ll keep them off balance. The only way the Giants will have a shot is if their front four can get consistent pressure to keep Brady moving.”

Luke Davis, Guthrie: Patriots 27-21
“Brady is too wise for the Giants D.”

Hunter Dinkines, Deer Creek: Patriots 38-27
“I think it’s gonna be a good game for New England. The game is in the hands of the Giants D line. But I think Victor Cruz and Welker/Gronkowski should be fun to watch.”

James Flanders, Midwest City: Giants 31-24
“(The Giants) have a great quarterback and a wonderful defense.”

Justice Hansen, Edmond Santa Fe: Giants 27-20
“If Hernandez and the Gronk are going out for passes, I think Justin Tuck and the boys up front will cause problems. And if they stay in, that will kill the Patriots’ offense. Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw will have a big game!”

Ry Huff, Edmond Memorial: Giants 27-24