Jets, Jets, Jets!

The New York Jets stunned the New England Patriots this past Sunday and now will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this coming Sunday in the AFC Championship game.

We asked some influential people in the Half Hollow Hills school district as well as a few local politicians what they thought would happen this Sunday evening. Interestingly enough, everyone said they think the Jets will win. Are they thinking with their heads or their hearts?

Superintendent of Schools, Sheldon Karnilow, said, "I definitely think they will make it all the way! I think the score will be 35 – 31. They have the heart to make it all the way; they have the momentum and nothing will stop them!!"

High School East Principal Jeff Woodberry: "After defeating the Colts and the Patriots, I believe they have more than a shot!  They seem to be putting together just what they need to come out on top.  I think the streak will continue all the way." 

Frank Grimaldi, BOE trustee: "I am a HUGE Jets fan. Have been since I was a little boy going to the games at Shea Stadium. The only sports I enjoy watching more is HHH! (Anyone who knows me will attest to that). On a Sunday afternoon, there is nothing that is planned EVER unless there is a TV for me to watch the Jets game. Working for a Boston-based company was never as enjoyable as it waes this past Sunday evening. I am looking forward to this Sunday evening. I'm predicting the Jets winning the game by a score of 23-17.  J - E - T - S JETS JETS JETS!!!"

Eric Gerigswald, Board Of Education trustee: "I think it will be a hard- fought game with the JETS winning a squeaker."

Suffolk Legislator Steve Stern: “The Jets have risen to the challenges: they beat Peyton Manning and the Colts; they beat Tom Brady and the Patriots. Next step: Beat “Big Ben” Roethlisberger and the Steelers and return to the Super Bowl for the first time since I was a baby in a crib! As a lifelong Jets fan, I am excited and optimistic about their chances and hope to see the Jets lift the Lombardi Trophy in Dallas next month.  J-E-T-S-!”

Suffolk Legislator Lou D’Amaro: "I predict that the Jets will not only beat the Steelers, but they will win the Super Bowl.  This is not a time for doubts.  The Jets team has a lot of heart and soul, and, as we saw against New England, this team has the burning desire to win.  It’s the winning spirit, as well as their talent, that will see this team through. Go Jets!" 

Assemblyman Jim Conte:  "As a long-time Jets fan, I know not to get my hopes up, as I have seen defeat snatched out of the jaws of victory one too many times.  Yet with that said, I will be wearing as much gang green gear as I can on Sunday and I am confident that the Jets defense will be able to shut down Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger just like they did against Tom Brady.  I am routing for an all green Super Bowl with the Packers facing the Jets, which will hopefully end in a long-awaited Jets Super Bowl victory."

Freelancer photographer and resident Dix Hillian Asia Lee: "The Patriots didn't have the speed that the Steelers have with Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. The Jets have come this far because to a team effort, and the Jets great special teams. For the Jets to beat the Steelers and make it to Dallas, Sanchez has to play better."

Former NY Jet (and father of HS East QB R.J. Nitti) John Nitti: "The Jets defense will keep the Steelers offense in check.  The Steelers defense will return the favor.  This game will come down to special teams and turnovers.  New York Jet defensive lineman, Shaun Ellis, lives in Dix Hills as does former Jet great, Wesley Walker.  That should count for something, right?  Well not really, so it's a toss-up. I contacted the Jets trying to get tickets for my daughter, Cailyn, who was anxious to make the drive from Penn State to Pittsburgh for the game.  They told me it didn't look promising since they were having trouble getting tickets for their own General Manager, Mike Tannenbaum!  This is a BIG game!"

Reverend JoAnn Barrett, Gathering of Light Multifaith Spiritual Fellowship: "Although I constantly advocate for peace, I actually love watching football, so I wanted to share a little premonition. For the last four years a committee has put together a Martin Luther King Jr., and choir concert for the township of Huntington. covered it.  Well, the last time that we had this service when a New York team was playing in the playoffs, the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl!  I don't know but with Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Baha'i, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Native American and Unitarian Universalist prayers all being said in your direction at one event...that is a lot of God power! Go Jets!"

Dr. Zackary Faber (Faber Orthodontics in Melville): "Based on past performance, the Jets have a very good chance to go to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV.  Based on the defense that has shut down two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL the past two weeks, I think there is more than a good chance.  Rex Ryan has been good against Pittsburgh, which goes back to his days with the Ravens.  Go Jets!!"