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Area Philadelphia Eagles fans knew their team was the underdog as they headed into Super Bowl LII, facing reigning champions the New England Patriots. They also knew the team was capable of winning.

They were not disappointed.

In a game that remained competitive until its final seconds, the Eagles defeated the Patriots, 41–33.

Fireworks could be heard all over the Wyoming Valley as area residents, many lifelong Eagles fans, celebrated the team’s first ever Super Bowl win.

Early in the evening, Don Scott, clad in Eagles jersey, settled into a seat in front of a TV at Charlie B.’s Pub & Eatery in Plains Township to watch the game.

Scott said after a nerve-racking season in which the team lost its starting quarterback, Carson Wentz, to an injury late in the season and replaced him with backup Nick Foles, he was both excited and nervous about the game.

“I know they’re the underdog,” he said. “I’m just praying that they win.”

Nancy Albert, of Wyoming, said she was rooting for the Eagles because she felt it was time for a Philadelphia victory.

“I think the New England Patriots need to be taken down,” she said.

Erin Murdoch, of Exeter, said she has been an Eagles fan “as long as I can remember.”

In spite of the several inches of snow and a bit of a drive to get to Charlie B.’s, Murdoch said it was worth it.

“I wanted get out of the house and watch the game with other people,” she said. “I’m hoping that it’s a good game and that its exciting to the end.”

Murdoch was not disappointed, when the Eagles scored a touchdown shortly before halftime, the entire bar erupted in cheers. When they entered the fourth quarter with a mere three-point lead, fans were subdued, but hopeful.

Not all fans, however, bled green.

At Patte’s Sports Bar in Wilkes-Barre, Tommy McKeown wore a Patriots jersey and hoped for a New England win.

McKeown, who was also celebrating his father Joe McKeown’s 93rd birthday at the bar, said he has been a fan of the Patriots since he heard about the team from a friend at Cori’s Place, where he is a student.

Tommy McKeown said his favorite player is Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady.

Albert and Dianne Defrehn, of Plains Township, were also at Patte’s Sports Bar. They said they were football fans, but didn’t have a “dog in the show,” on Sunday night.

“I don’t like either team,” said Albert Defrehn, “I wish they could both lose.”

Still the couple said they enjoyed the energy of the game and of the bar.

“This is our second home,” Dianne Defrehn said. “We wouldn’t watch the Super Bowl anywhere else.”

Patrons of Charlie B’s Pub & Eatery watch the Philadelphia Eagles play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_super4_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgPatrons of Charlie B’s Pub & Eatery watch the Philadelphia Eagles play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Nancy Albert, of Wyoming, watches the Super Bowl at Charlie B’s Pub & Eatery in Plains Township on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_super3_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgNancy Albert, of Wyoming, watches the Super Bowl at Charlie B’s Pub & Eatery in Plains Township on Sunday.

Joe McKeown celebrated his 93rd birthday at Patte’s Sports Bar with his son, Tommy McKeown, and other family members watching the Super Bowl.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_super2_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgJoe McKeown celebrated his 93rd birthday at Patte’s Sports Bar with his son, Tommy McKeown, and other family members watching the Super Bowl.

Don Scott reacts to an Eagles touchdown in the waning seconds of the first half of the Super Bowl on Sunday at Charlie B’s Pub & Eatery in Plains Township. Scott’s Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, 41-38.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_super1_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgDon Scott reacts to an Eagles touchdown in the waning seconds of the first half of the Super Bowl on Sunday at Charlie B’s Pub & Eatery in Plains Township. Scott’s Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, 41-38.

By Geri Gibbons

For Times Leader

On The Cover

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, right, celebrates his touchdown catch with Halapoulivaati Vaitai during the first half of Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots on Sunday in Minneapolis. (AP photo)