While political candidates duked it out across the nation Sunday for Super Tuesday's primary election votes, local football fans kicked back for Super Bowl Sunday.

At Damon's Grill on Second Street, patrons watched the game on four big-screen TVs, a 52-inch flat-screen TV and four smaller TVs, while snacking on wings, ribs and drink specials, said Mark Killgrove.

Buffalo Wild Wings on Chillicothe Street hosted a full house of Super Bowl fans. Manager Karen Potter said, "It's a fun crowd and they're having a great time."

Fans watched the game on seven big-screen TVs and prizes were given throughout the night. For Super Bowl fans opting to stay home, they were taking advantage of take-out orders, Potter said.

James Summers of Portsmouth said he was cheering for New England and Tom Brady. A Dallas Cowboy fan throughout the season, Summers, wearing a University of Michigan T-shirt, said he liked Brady because he had graduated from Michigan.

Amy Simpson of Portsmouth said she likes the Chicago Bears, but was hoping to see the New York Giants win "because they're the underdogs."

"I'd like to see the Patriots win so they could have an undefeated season," said Bill Britton of Portsmouth. While he likes the Bengals and Browns during the regular season, he also said he wouldn't mind if the Giants were winners.

"I'll be happy either way," Britton said.

Zach Montavon of Waverly said he wanted New England to win, "so we can watch history being made." A Patriots win would make them the first undefeated team in 35 years.

A different twist on Super Bowl activities took place at Pizza Hut on Scioto Trail as Christ Community Church rented the facilities, and area teens watched the game while getting their fill of pizza and pop.

Debbie Kneiss and Paula Bramblette helped coordinate the event.

"It gives them a good, safe place to watch the game," Kneiss said.

Bramblette added, "Kids need a safe place to celebrate."

Twelve-year-old Preston Hall, a student at Northwest, said he didn't know much about football but he came to be with his friends and watch the game.

Jeffrey Moore, 18, of Minford, said he didn't know a lot about football, but hoped the Patriots would win. "They seem to be pretty good," Moore said.

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.