NFL's greatest player aided image

On any given Sunday, anything can happen. So on Super Sunday, for a coach to be facing his former team a year after he jumped ship is nothing.

But it would have taken the insight of Miss Cleo, Yoda and me to predict this year's Super Bowl.

Sure, everyone wanted to talk about Jon Gruden against Al Davis. In fact, some called it Chuckie Bowl I, and among it all one story went regrettably overlooked.

The greatest football player in the history of the NFL solidified his legendary image as Jerry Rice competed in the Super Bowl as one of the Raiders' top wide receivers despite the seemingly advanced age of 40.

Rice holds every record possible and even those that aren't possible. He's the prime example of a hard worker and blue collar.

Looking back on the year that was, it seems like a blur. Maybe because somewhere right now Davis, along with Rice, are having themselves a good cry.

Oh, and in case you were pondering the idea of attending next year's Super Bowl, maybe this will put you over the hump: Tickets for Sunday's game went for at least $400 in face value. Next year Houston will host the championship game -- so start saving.

There's no need for you to cry just because football is over. There's still plenty to do in your week ahead:

Tuesday

OK, so I shouldn't mention either of the Kuper swimming phenoms in this preview. It's Central's returning state squad against Notre Dame's state squad in their first conference matchup. If there was ever a local rivalry in swimming, this would be the one. Central vs. Notre Dame, 4 p.m. at the Central Municipal Pool.

Wednesday

Put a quarter in the wayback machine and push the buttons for 1991. It's the last time Jackson's junior varsity wrestling team lost. Three teams from around the area compete in host Central's double- dual meet. Jackson, Poplar Bluff, and Dexter each wrestle beginning at 5 p.m. with junior varsity.

Thursday

The boys had their slugfest, and now it's the girls' turn. The top two teams in the SEMO Conference will tip off to determine first place in high school girls' basketball. Jackson travels to Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m.

Every Blues fan lives for this promotional night: AMC Theatres Key chain night, which means the first 15,000 fans are taking home a free key chain. Key chains? The Blues are getting cheap, kind of like the penny-pinching Sabres who are in town at 7 p.m.

Friday

During the second half of the season, Central's boys have one of the toughest basketball schedules in the area. Poplar Bluff is just one of the toughest teams in the area. The 15-1 Mules get their first look at Central's new facilities, which needs to be packed if the Tigers have a shot at winning. 7:30 p.m

Alas, football is over (tear). But baseball's hot stove is smoldering, which means spring training will soon be blazing. Exactly two months from today is opening day for baseball, so get your tickets now. Opening day for the Cards is Busch Magnet schedule night against Milwaukee at 3:10 p.m.

Saturday

From one OVC test to another to another, Southeast Missouri State battles the defending OVC men's basketball champions at home. Southeast has been playing good basketball at home, so you never know what can happen on any given Saturday. Tennessee Tech visits Southeast with the women at 5:30 p.m. and the men to follow at 7:30.

David Wilson is a student at Central high school and a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian. His column "The Week Ahead" appears every Monday.