Staff photo / Bob Coupland Pleasant Valley Church in Liberty hosted a Super Bowl party for families Sunday evening, with approximately 40 people attending. Brian Viga of Cortland, left, Charleston Viga, 8, of Niles, and Tammy Viga of Niles watch the Super Bowl on a large television screen. Tammy’s dog, Bubba, a beagle, was more interested in getting food samples.

LIBERTY — Dozens of football fans gathered Sunday evening at Pleasant Valley Church to watch the Super Bowl.

The group gathered in a large room in the basement of the church, where a large-screen television was on the wall with plenty of seats to watch the San Francisco 49ers battle the Kansas City Chiefs.

Niles resident William Viga said he thinks the two teams are the best out of the AFC and NFC.

“In prior years, I would be for the 49ers because they’ve got five Super Bowl (rings), but this year I am for Kansas City. I’m going with experience. Patrick Mahomes has been there and has the experience. Brock Purdy is an excellent quarterback, but has no experience in the big games,” Viga said

Tammy Viga said she also is a Kansas City fan.

“It’s fun to get together for food and fellowship,” she said.

The Vigas brought Bubba, a beagle, to the event. William Viga is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but Bubba was more interested in getting food samples from the many people sitting on three couches by the TV screen.

“I was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. We bleed black and gold,” he said as to why they are Steelers fans.

Howland resident Grant Thompson was rooting for Kansas City.

“If it isn’t the Steelers or the Browns, it is outside our area. I am not too upset about who wins or loses,” he said.

Thompson said Mahomes should do a good job as the Chiefs quarterback. He said he has been at the church’s watch party a few other times.

Joe Patterson of Hubbard said he was supporting Kansas City because he lived in Missouri for five years.

“I was surprised they made it to the Super Bowl. I’d rather be here watching the game with everyone than be at a bar,” Patterson said of his first time being at the church’s Super Bowl party.

Liberty resident Jack Simon said he was rooting for the 49ers because of the DeBartolo family of Youngstown being the owners.

“I have no connection to either team, so I may as well root for the 49ers since there is some local connection,” Simon said.

Liberty resident Christian Coggins, 12, said he wanted the 49ers to win.

He said he likes “the intensity of the game” but did not care who wins. “It’s fun to watch the game,” Coggins said.

Senior Pastor Chip Trebilcock, who was wearing a Cleveland Browns shirt, said it was a great way for members of the church and community to get together for fellowship.

Those attending could bring a food item to share and there was a large table covered with pizzas, pasta, fish, vegetables, fruit, dips and desserts.

“I am here more for the food and fellowship. We have had a Super Bowl party here for the past four years,” he said.

Youngstown resident Andrew McFadden said he brought chips and dips to the event.

“Everybody brought something and chipped in,” he said.