The NFL - America's most popular sports league - has reached that time of year when everybody with the slightest interest has to choose sides even if only for arguments' sake.
Four teams remain in the hunt for Super Bowl XL. None of them is the Atlanta Falcons, who have been deemed Augusta's "home" team by the television networks who apparently control such things.
For some around here, picking the "next best thing" to a favorite at this stage is easy. You can go with proximity; the Carolina Panthers share the name with our readers east of the Savannah River and played their inaugural season in Clemson's Memorial Stadium.
But for others, the Panthers are really a Charlotte, N.C., team and any allegiance doesn't extend across the border.
If your rooting affiliation requires more local grounding, here's a primer on the closest ties remaining in this weekend's AFC and NFC championship games.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: When this team reached the Super Bowl two years ago, it had Josey High's Deon Grant to crystallize the local sentiment. Grant left for Jacksonville, but the Panthers still have a nice blend of favorite collegiate stars. Veteran placekicker John Kasay, starting linebacker Will Witherspoon and hard-hitting rookie reserve linebacker Thomas Davis keep the Georgia Bulldogs faithful woofing.
Starting tackles on both sides of the line - Brentson Buckner (Clemson) and Travelle Wharton (South Carolina) - offer balance to both primary Palmetto factions. Buckner pondering whether his 12th pro season will be his "last spoonful" offers a potential emotional stake.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: For some Bulldogs fans, David Greene's mere presence as the emergency third-string quarterback is enough incentive for them to go out and buy No. 11 Seahawks jerseys. But the real Georgia peach of the Pacific Northwest is Mack Strong, the lead blocker for the NFL's leading rusher (Shawn Alexander). Strong will be making his first Pro Bowl trip after 13 seasons.
Sandlappers can get behind starting rookie linebacker LeRoy Hill from Clemson and veteran starting defensive tackle Chartric "Chuck" Darby from South Caroline State.
For those really into depth charts, the Hawks one-up the Panthers on the practice squad with two Tigers (William Henry and Bryant McNeal) to Carolina's one (Khaleed Vaughn).
NFC EDGE: Got to be the 'Cats.
DENVER BRONCOS: The defense is loaded with area reps, from all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey (Georgia), starting strong safety Nick Ferguson (Georgia Tech), starting defensive end Trevor Pryce (Clemson) and veteran reserve lineman Marco Coleman (Georgia Tech).
Third-year offensive tackle George Foster (Georgia) is also a starter, and the local connections dip to the practice squad (South Carolina defensive lineman George Gause) and injured reserve (Georgia Tech safety Chris Young).
The best local angle, however, is fourth-string tight end and special teamer Wesley Duke. The rookie made the leap from a thunderous slam-dunkin' basketballer at Mercer in Macon, Ga., to NFL tight end.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: The most well-rounded miners of area football value. They've got a Georgia native punter (Chris Gardocki) who goes all the way back to the Ken Hatfield era at Clemson. They've got an all-pro receiver (Hines Ward) who dips back as far as the Ray Goff era at Georgia.
And Verron Hayes inspired Georgia's hob-nailed boot legend.
They've got an offensive coordinator (Augusta native Ken Whisenhunt) who hails from the Bill Curry era at Georgia Tech (not to mention Richmond Academy before that).
And they have a reserve rusher (Duce Staley) who only goes back to the Brad Scott era at South Carolina.
Oh yeah, they also have former Josey/Georgia linebacker Arnold Harrison apprenticing on the practice squad.
AFC EDGE: Close call, but coaching gives Steelers an advantage.
Whichever team you adopt, at least now you can keep up with the local knowledge around the water cooler.
Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219 or scott.michaux@augustachronicle.com.
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