The world of Bay Area sports can be a whirlwind–unless you have someone to take you by the hand and show the way. That's where Sean Swaby comes in–every week, he'll highlight all the most important things going down on the local sports scene.
When two brothers of quasi Bay Area origin face each other in the most grandiose event of the year (now rechristened the "Harbowl") in American sports, with #QuestforSix hashtags trending like Fernet shots on Chestnut Street, the Bay Area listens.
But, for the sake of bicep-kissing, “Kaepernicking” is sweeping the city. So if (OK, when) you see your friend kissing their tattoo-laden ‘cep, it’s simply an ode to Colin Kaepernick, who led the 49ers to the Super Bowl after a highly controversial mid-season quarterback swap with ex-starting quarterback Alex Smith.
And heck, even the aforementioned Giants are jumping on the 49ers’ bandwagon. This, of course, should come as little surprise, considering how many 49ers openly supported the Giants’ World Series run to nearly costly extents.
Mark Jackson, head coach of the upstart Golden State Warriors, put the “Harbowl” into a bit of historical perspective:
“Congrats to the Harbaughs! 2nd time Ever 2 Brothers will face each other in the Superbowl! The 1st was Tony Dungy vs. Lovie Smith!”
Jackson was referring to when Smith and Dungy made history in 2007 as the first African American head coaches to face each other in the Super Bowl.
Speaking of Jackson, his Warriors (26-17) are primed to make their first postseason appearance since 2007. In spite of a two-game losing streak, the “Dubs” are in fifth place in the Western Conference, and treated locals to a thrilling 104-99 victory on January 23 over the second-place and Kevin Durant-led Oklahoma City Thunder.
A word to the wise...
For those who plan on catching the game at a bar, get there early. And if you’re a Baltimorian turned city-dweller, head to Dear Mom on 16th and Harrison, as it’s the rumored Baltimore hotspot.
We’ll be at Dr. Teeth on 19th and Mission, the same landing spot of Games 3 and 4 of the World Series, and the NFC Championship triumph. Because if it ain’t broke...
Here’s hoping that revelers are slightly less rambunctious than the last time the city had reason to celebrate.