Eagles Fever Sweeps G-Burg

By Nicole Workoff

One team, city, dream: Philadelphia’s season-long slogan captures the feelings of Eagles’ fans not only in their home city, but on the Gettysburg campus as well.

On Sunday January 23, Quarterback Donovan McNabb and the rest of the team clinched the NFC championship and their ticket to this year’s Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida against the New England Patriots. This is a long awaited victory for long-time Eagles fans who have suffered through three consecutive NFC championship losses and have not seen the inside of a Super Bowl stadium since 1980.

As would be expected, the excitement for the big game is overwhelming. Die-hard fans are quick to offer their optimistic predictions. “I think it’s going to be a very very tough game, but the Eagles have proved themselves so far this year so I definitely think that they have a good chance of coming away with a win,” said first-year Katherine Corkhill.

A major concern for the team and fans alike is whether or not famed wide receiver Terrell Owens will play an integral part in the game next Sunday. Owens ended his season prematurely after a fibula fracture during a December 20 th game against the Dallas Cowboys caused the player to need indefinite time off the field. In recent interviews, Owens expressed a determination to play in the game. Fans, on the other hand, do not see him as necessary for a win. “If he plays, he won’t do much,” predicted Mike Tirney, Class of 2007. However, most recognize that Owens is still very much a part of the team. “I think his presence and confidence contributes a lot,” said first-year Cristi Farrell.

Fans on campus have not been shy in dictating what is necessary for an Eagles’ win, either. According to Freshman Nick Campellone the team should focus on “stopping the long ball and focus on a west-coast offense.” Senior Timothy Quigley, who described himself as a “huge fan” exalted his favorite team’s abilities and outlined a specific strategy for Sunday’s game: “I feel like we can win if our best-in-the-league secondary can make some big plays to fire up our offense. The LB corps is also going to have to make some plays in the backfield against [the Patriots' running back] Dillon. If Donovan keeps his head in this and Westbrook has a big game we can take it.”

Eagles’ and Patriots aficionados alike will have to wait patiently until February 6th to find out which team will walk out the victors.