What’s your prediction for Sunday’s Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and the Chiefs? In all likelihood, the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes are mentioned somewhere in the description.

Below you will find a local sampling of predictions and thoughts on the game from athletic directors, football coaches, other coaches and the Times News sports department.

Will the Chiefs have a three-peat, or will the Eagles complete a storybook season?

For what’s it’s worth, here we go.

As for the football coaches …

Northwestern’s Josh Snyder

Eagles, 31-21

“I think they have the formula to win the Super Bowl. They have a great defense and create turnovers. I think for an Eagles’ fan having Barkley, and knowing he is a local guy from Whitehall, brings an extra layer to the game.”

Marian’s Billy O’Gurek

Eagles, 31-28

“It’s been fun watching Saquon all year. You almost anticipate that he is going to break a long one at some point in the game. I think he can have another big game and be the MVP if the offensive line can control the line of scrimmage.”

Jim Thorpe’s Mark Rosenberger

Eagles, 27-16

“Barkley is the best player in the NFL.”

Lehighton’s Tom McCarroll

Eagles, 38-31

“They seem like the more complete team and have the best defensive in the league and the best run game. Both are things great teams hang their hat on.”

Northern Lehigh’s Joe Tout

Eagles, 38-34

“The Eagles will have their hands full with very creative stunts from the Chiefs. If they can pick them up, they will have success. The Eagles need to plan on Mahomes running from the pocket. That’s something that hurt them in the previous game.”

Palmerton’s Chris Walkowiak

Chiefs, 35-31

“I believe the Chiefs just find ways to win with Mahomes and company.”

Panther Valley’s Mark Lavine

Eagles, 34-24

“I think this is the Eagles’ year. They are so strong on both sides of the ball and peaking at the right time. The fact that Barkley is on the team is really awesome — being that he has Lehigh Valley roots and played high school football 40 minutes from here.”

Pleasant Valley’s Blaec Saeger

Eagles, 34-17

“Barkley has 150 yards and two touchdowns.”

Tamaqua’s Sam Bonner

Eagles, 29-24

“I have been a Washington fan since John Riggins, but it is hard to cheer against Barkley, who is an awesome player and person.”

From the athletic director’s desk ...

Lehighton’s Kyle Spotts

Eagles, 34-27

“Hurts has a repeat performance from his last Super Bowl earning him MVP honors after the Eagles get a late turnover to avenge their Super Bowl loss from two years ago.”

Northern Lehigh’s Bryan Geist

Chiefs, 43-38

“I’m hoping it’s a good game, and Saquon and (Johan) Dotson play well.”

Northwestern’s Jason Zimmerman

Chiefs, 34-31

“As a Giants’ fan, I’ll be rooting for Philadelphia and supporting our two former District 11 players. I believe the Chiefs’ defense under (Steve) Spagnuolo’s leadership will be too tough for the Birds. Defense wins championships.”

Tamaqua’s Mike Hromyak

Eagles, 35-31

“I think Barkley will have another huge game. He will be the Super Bowl MVP. Go Birds! E-A-G-L-E-S – EAGLES!

Other area coaches ...

Former Marian head football coach Stan Dakosty

Eagles, 27-23

“A.J. Brown will have a big game.”

Lehighton wrestling coach Floyd Brown

Eagles, 38-31

“It is going to be a high-scoring game with two powerful offenses slugging it out. Barkley is the man!”

No. Lehigh track and field coach Mike Lehtonen

Eagles, 27-24

“Being originally from upstate NY, I am a proud Bills Mafia member, so it has been a bit painful to see KC sneak by Buffalo in the playoffs multiple times. I am predicting (and hoping) the Eagles prevail ... I’ll be rooting for Saquon, as he seems to display all the character traits to be a true professional and role model.”

Former Lehighton f. hockey coach Emma Sawyer

Eagles 32-27

“I dislike the Chiefs very much. I’m not an Eagles’ fan, but a Steelers’ one. If I had to pick, it would be the Eagles. I hear Saquon is an outstanding guy. He brings a lot of pride to our small area, and I wish him the best.”

Panther Vy. boys basketball coach Pat Crampsie

Chiefs, 27-23

“Although I’m hoping for an Eagles win, I have a hard time picking against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. I think it will be a back-and-forth game, and the Chiefs score on a late drive to take the lead and win the game.”

Weatherly boys basketball coach Luke Medico

Chiefs, 31-27

“Barkley always has been a class act with a phenomenal work ethic and attitude, but I see the Chiefs winning.”

Panther Valley golf coach Greg Surotchak

Eagles, 31-28

“I really think the Eagles will control the ball on offense and not make many mistakes. The winner is going to be determined in the fourth quarter when one team will put the pedal to the medal.”

Lehighton volleyball coach Lauren Nietz

Eagles, 34-28

“I think it will be a tight game, but the Birds will end up getting the win. As a Penn State alum, it’s so exciting to see Saquon play on a team where his talents shine, and he has a shot at being a Super Bowl champion.”

Tamaqua wrestling coach Jim McCabe

Eagles, 38-31

“I am an Eagles fan. I think the Eagles need to shake things up on D and get pressure on Mahomes to win. Barkley needs the ball, not only on a handoff but in the passing scheme as well. Third and long for KC. Third and short for Eagles is important. And jam Kelce every play, no free runs down the field.”

Northwestern boys soccer coach Nate Hunsicker

Chiefs, 27-17

“As a Steelers’ fan, this one is a tough call. Saquon is a great player and an absolute beast on the field. I was fortunate to meet him at Devonta Smith’s celebrity softball game. He seems like a very nice, down to earth person, and was gracious to give my kids autographs.”

Pleasant Valley girls soccer coach Tara Hyland

Eagles, 28-27

“It’s the Eagles this year. I do like KC and the 3-peat would be pretty amazing, but I love Saquon Barkley and what he represents as a local player, such a great model and deserving.”

J. Thorpe girls basketball coach Anthony Thomas

Eagles, 27-23

“Saquon Barkley is a true example of what hard work, determination, and having a strong passion with the sport you play is all about.”

Northwestern girls soccer coach Jordan Smith

Eagles, 31-23

“I think the Eagles just have a better all-around team and win many of the position battles. I think keys for the Eagles will be their defense getting off the field on third down and winning the turnover battle. For the Chiefs, it will be stopping the run. That’s going to be hard for them with the best offensive line and running back in the NFL.”

Marian girls basketball coach Damian Fritz

Chiefs, 24-20

“Chiefs win a close game, but Barkley is a special talent and is playing his best football. He embodies the definition of a true teammate. There’s no one like him.”

Lehighton x-country & track coach Erica Pagotto

Eagles, 35-30

“I would love to see Saquon win on his birthday while setting the all-time record for rushing yards in a season and the playoffs. I admire Saquon not only for his athletic ability, but also for his Christian faith.”

N’western boys basketball coach Pat Wanamaker

Eagles, 31-28

“I think the Eagles win a close one. Barkley is a stud. Having a local kid playing at such a high level is amazing. The ties to the Valley with Saquon and Johan Dotson makes this Super Bowl trip much more special and feels like a trip of destiny.”

Pleasant Valley boys basketball coach Bob Hahn

Eagles, 27-23

“I think the Eagles are the better team on paper with a very talented defense. Even though Mahomes has the championship pedigree, three titles in a row is very hard to attain. I give the coaching edge to Andy Reid.”

Lehighton boys basketball coach Trevor Miller

Eagles, 27-24

“Saquon becomes the Super Bowl MVP. I’m tired of the Chiefs, so I’m hoping the Eagles can hold true to my prediction.”

No. Lehigh girls basketball coach Chris Heery

Eagles, 38-35

“The Chiefs play big in big games, but the Eagles have a strong line and many weapons.”

And the writers …

Former sports editor Emmett McCall

Eagles, 24-21

“I think this is going to be a Jalen Hurts game rather than a Saquon game. The Chiefs commit to not letting Saquon beat them, and Hurts throws for two touchdowns and scrambles for another.”

Sports editor Patrick Matsinko

“Iggles” (Eagles Philly style) 31-27

“A late Barkley touchdown run caps the magical season for the hometown hero and secures MVP honors for the Whitehall grad.”

Sports writer Rod Heckman

Chiefs, 26-23

“I’m not a big fan of the NFL anymore, but I will be watching the game. As a Cowboys’ fan, I can’t root for the Eagles. Hoping for a Harrison Butker last-second game-winning FG.”

Sports writer Sam Matta

Eagles, 27-19

“If Barkley rushes for 120 yards, Eagles win.”

Sports writer Brad Hurley

Eagles, 34-31

“There is no one better in big games than Mahomes. But I trust the Eagles’ defense, which has been great all year to make enough plays to help get the win.”

Sports writer TJ Engle

Eagles, 31-30

“I want the Kansas City Chiefs to accomplish what no other NFL team has done over the years but I would love for the Eagles to win for a few reasons ... It would be great for two good friends — who have bled Eagles green forever — to celebrate a Super Bowl win after a heart-wrenching year. One lost his mother, who was loved by all, and another lost his wife, who treated your child like they were her own.”

Sports writer Brock Heckman

Chiefs, 31-27

“There’s just something about Mahomes. He’s not going to let this opportunity to three-peat slip away from him.”

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Sports editor Scott Pagel

Eagles 34, Chiefs 31

“Picking with my heart here. I would love for this to be another stress-free, 30-point victory like the NFC Championship, but the reality is it will most likely be a stressful, three hours of football ... Having covered Barkley at Whitehall, and being a Penn State grad ... I’ve been lucky to have my fill of Saquon for many years now. ... Way back when I learned Barkley unselfishly gave up his gold track medal as a high school kid, it’s been easy to root for him. And you still see that unselfishness today.”

As for me, I believe the Eagles are destined, and they will deny Mahomes on the game’s last drive in a 31-30 victory.

Enjoy the game!