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When Super Bowl 58 kicks off in Las Vegas Sunday evening, the Kansas City Chiefs will try to become the first repeat champion since the 2003-04 New England Patriots.

The Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-20 in the 2019 game, which started KC’s current run of four big game appearances in the last five years. They are 2-1 with a loss to Tom Brady and Tampa Bay in 2020. 

Prior to that, it had been fifty years since the Chiefs played for all the marbles.

San Francisco has been to the Super Bowl twice in the last five years and won five Lombardi trophies from 1981-94.

Beaufort County coaches are split over this year’s contest. This no defending champion as Washington’s Perry Owens gave up the bragging rights when he resigned to return to his hometown of Edenton after last season.

Keith Boyd Northside: It is tough to go against Mahomes, but I’m picking the 49ers to win, 34-26. I thought they were going to lose to Detroit, but they let it slip away. San Francisco stared adversity right in the face and showed their poise and experience in the second half. I think Christian McCaffrey will be able to run the ball and the 49ers will make enough plays to win. Kansas City showed its toughness by winning twice on the road and Mahomes is the more seasoned quarterback. He needs to get the ball to (Travis) Kelce and they can’t afford any turnovers. Andy Reid did a great job coaching because there were a few chinks in the armor. I’m looking forward to the game and think the 49ers will win.

Alex Sefton Pungo Christian Academy: I wanted the Ravens and Lions to be here for the more exciting storyline, but the NFL probably loves it that Taylor Swift is still involved. I’m picking the Chiefs to win, 35-28, because of Patrick Mahomes. He looks to Kelce, but still makes crazy plays without him. To me, he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks ever and still has his team in the championship game despite a drop off in talent around him. He can extend plays with his feet, which gives him more opportunities to make big plays. The 49ers have to take away his options, limit Kelce and collapse the pocket to make him uncomfortable to have a shot. 

They have plenty of offensive weapons with George Kittle, McCaffery, and Deebo Samuel, but they have to stop Mahomes to win and I don’t think they will.

Jeff Carrow Southside: I think it’s going to be a great game and Kansas City will win, 27-24, with a late interception to seal it. I think their defense can get pressure on (Brock) Purdy and they will load the box to stop McCaffery. Kansas City knows when to turn it on and have proven they can win on the road. Mahomes feet make a difference in getting first downs on the run. The 49ers have to stop the running game and minimize the big plays to win. They have a powerful offense, but I think KC’s defense is good enough to at least slow them down. I’m predicting a repeat champion.

Matt Taylor Washington: The 49ers have the better roster, but Mahomes is the best player on the planet because of his dedication and preparation and you can never count him out.   I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan and think she makes a great storyline to this game. The 49ers defense is built to stop the pass with Nick Bosa and Chase Young and McCaffrey and Kittle are outstanding offensive weapons. Kyle Shanahan vs. Andy Reid is a great coaching matchup as well. I think SF will be able to run the ball enough to control the clock and keep Mahomes off the field. I say 49ers, 20-17.