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GREENBURGH, N.Y. - A steady flow of New York Giants fans poured into Modell's in the Cross Roads Shopping Plaza in search of the perfect item to show their true blue colors for Super Bowl XLVI.
One of the customers was James Thorpe of Mount Vernon, a teacher at Richard J. Bailey School in White Plains, who boldly predicted the Giants would win the franchise's fourth Super Bowl championship on Sunday by 10 points over the New England Patriots.
"They have been resilient throughout the whole season," Thorpe said with a Giants sweatshirt draped over his large shoulders. "I feel Eli Manning has been phenomenal and I think the team has really come together."
Debbie Massaro, also a teacher in White Plains, said she was buying t-shirts for the big game for herself and her husband, a diehard Giants fan. She also predicted a victory for the Giants.
"I think it will definitely be a close game. The Patriots will be out for blood," she said. "They have to play tough and come through."
The Giants beat the Patriots 24-20 during the regular season, the last time New England, which is currently on a 10-game winning streak, suffered a defeat. The Patriots sport an impressive 15-3 record, while the Giants are 12-7 after winning their last five games.
Andres Espinosa of Pleasantville, who was picking up Manning jerseys for himself and a friend, is hopeful the Giants will come away with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
"We're going to have a great time Sunday," he said.
Modell's store manager Allie Patel said Manning and wide receiver Victor Cruz jerseys have been in demand, along with a Modell's exclusive Cruz Cha-Cha Salsa steps t-shirt.
"It's been crazy all week. It's a good time for us because we're a sporting goods store," Patel said, noting she has had to schedule extra employees to keep up with the crowds.
A New York Jets fan, Patel is rooting for the Giants and noted Modell's would open its doors right after the game Sunday if the Giants prevail and remain open to 2 or 3 a.m. if needed.
If the Patriots win? "We will be in Boston helping them out up there," she quipped.
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