The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge of the NFL season will continue through the Super Bowl. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the season will be treated to a prize (we've decided on a gift from each player). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 19 standings: Ben 2-2, Nicole 4-0, Kevin 3-1, Katrina 4-0, Mike M. 4-0, Gary 3-1, Mike S. 4-0

Overall: Ben 162-101-1; Mike S. 160-103-1; Nicole 159-104-1; Kevin 157-106-1; Katrina 157-106-1; Mike M. 153-110-1; Gary 150-113-1

Week 19 Comments: Mike S. has jumped to within two games of Ben with three games to play! Katrina finally caught Kevin for fourth place.

Week 20 Prognosis: Two weeks to go ... the old guys battle it out in Denver and the young bucks face off in Seattle. It will be experience vs. exuberance in the Super Bowl. “To preserve my luck, I will maintain my record of not watching a single game until the Super Bowl,” Nicole says. “Somehow, I think the NFL wants to give Manning one more try at winning another Super Bowl. That's why I am picking the Broncos,” Kevin says.

“It's time for New England's fourth Super Bowl win and it's time for New England to beat Pete Carroll, whom I have always liked, but not in the Super Bowl against the Pats!” Gary says.

“In week 2, when they fought, Seattle got 10 penalties and San Fran got 12. (16 penalties total in week 14). Both are very physical teams. A penalty in a crucial moment could decide the game, like a field goal after a 15-yard penalty. I'd advise the 49ers to bring earplugs. As for the Patriots, well, I'm not sure if they can pull it off, but I'm no fair-weather fan. So go Pats!” Katrina says.

 Week 20 picks

New England at Denver: New England: Mike S., Gary, Nicole, Katrina, Mike M.; Denver: Ben, Kevin

San Francisco at Seattle: San Francisco: Kevin, Katrina, Mike M.; Seattle: Ben, Mike S., Gary, Nicole

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football during the Superbowl.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.