By Brian Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Nearly 200 Christians prayed over their nachos that, for at least one more Sunday night, the Saints wouldn’t make it to the promised land.
But as it turned out, salvation came for New Orleans as the Saints topped the Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.
Prior to kickoff, however, the church was ready for a win.
“Of course it’s all right,” Vince McFarland said when asked if it was OK to pray for an Indianapolis victory against the New Orleans Saints. Wearing a blue-and-white shirt with the Colts logo, Maryland Community Church’s senior pastor said the objective was indeed sound. “That’s good theology,” he laughed.
The church’s community room was packed as parishioners and children lined tables, chairs and the floor to watch the big game projected onto a mounted screen as four smaller television sets lined the walls. Serving lines of nachos, beef, cheese and salsa set next to hot dogs and relish as plates were loaded and forks dug in.
Terre Haute South Vigo student Nasy Dietz, 16, and three of her friends donned blue-and-white jerseys to cheer on the Colts.
“They’re a really good team,” Dietz said, wearing her “18” jersey in honor of quarterback Peyton Manning. “I’m really enjoying watching them.”
Randy and Myra Helt brought their 8-year-old son, Levi, and his friend, Jayden Stuck, 8, to watch.
“It’s a great opportunity all the way around,” Helt said with a plate full of nachos on the table. “It’s a great family deal and it’s a great way to invite someone to come to your church.”
But amid the sea of blue and white, a lifelong New Orleans fan was praying the stampede might fall short.
“Through the ups and downs, the good times and bad,” Robert Wally said of his beloved Saints. “I’ve been wanting to see this game since ’73,” he said of the New Orleans team playing that night in its first Super Bowl game.
The Colts were leading the Saints at the end of the first half, and Chuck and Mary Ann Guess said it looked clear from there on in.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Chuck said as his wife added, “The Colts are going to win, no doubt.”
But the faith seemed without works as Manning threw a fourth quarter interception which resulted in a New Orleans touchdown, taking the game out of their reach.
And the fans once decked in blue and white were left just feeling blue.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
