Masked Marvel predicts a Way We See ’Em victory

The Masked Marvel has heard the whispers. “He’s lost his touch.” “He doesn’t have an eye for talent anymore.”

“It’s like he hasn’t actually watched a game in four or five years.”

The former champion in The News-Herald sports department’s Way We See ’Em competition has fallen on hard times in recent years, failing to keep pace in predicting the winners of each weekend’s games. Though he might be short on victories, the Marvelous One was anything but short on bravado when reached at his vacation property in Orange County, California, and he had little time for his detractors.

“When you are an established commodity, when you are a man of means, then you can crack on anyone you want to,” the Marvel said. “I’ve been the See ’Ems champion time and again simply because I’m the best there is. These nothing-happening imitators, trying to tell the world they’ve passed the Marvelous One by, they can start by shopping for their clothes somewhere other than a low-rent depart- ment store. I’m custom- made from head to toe, and in 2018, my predictions will look as good as my $15,000 sport coat.”

As area teams wrap up the preseason and get ready for the bright lights of Week 1, the Masked Marvel said he has put in plenty of work this summer, too, although his was done with a glass of lemonade in hand and an umbrella providing shade poolside. He will return to Northeast Ohio ready to roll.

“In about 20 minutes, I’m going to be on my private jet, 42,000 feet in the air and headed back to my palatial estate,” the Marvel said. “I’ll be flying above the clouds just like I will be flying right over The NewsHerald sports staff all season long.”