They're thrilled Giants are in the Super Bowl

There were plenty of Valley Stream residents who were thrilled to watch the New York Giants defeat the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 22. Big Blue will now face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis.

The National Football Conference Championship game proved to be no easy task for the Giants as they edged out the 49ers 20-17 in overtime. The G-Men had to travel more than 3,000 miles to San Francisco for the game, but they made sure the return flight home was a celebration.

Lawrence Tynes drilled a field goal in overtime to send the Giants to the Super Bowl — the kick also sent Giants’ fans into an uproar across New York state and specifically in Valley Stream.

“I think I passed out,” said Mike Powers, a Valley Stream resident for 25 years. “Seriously, I was ecstatic and I posted some enthusiastic [phrases] on Facebook expanding on my happiness.”

His oldest son, Kevin, may have injured himself in celebration. “I think I blew out my knee,” he said.

Tina Torres has been a Giants fan for 30 years and said her favorite player is Victor Cruz. She said she was pretty nervous at the end of the game, and when Tynes lined up for a potential game-winning field goal in overtime, she was praying it would go through.

Andrew DeMarsico graduated from Valley Stream Central High School in 2005 and is currently serving on active duty in the United States Navy. He is stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington but got to watch the game.

DeMarsico didn’t want the game to drag out because he wanted a quick Giants victory. “Thankfully Big Blue recovered the forced fumble and Lawrence Tynes had another overtime game winning NFC Championship field goal,” he said.

According to Jamie Lewin, a Valley Stream resident for nine years, the Giants most recent win was “one of the greatest played games by both teams. I’m glad my team came out on top, but if they didn’t, they did not give up the least bit and fought all the way.”

The Giants players, coaches and fans now have their sights set on the Patriots and a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, which ended in dramatic fashion. Valley Stream residents are confident in their team’s chances.

“Hopefully Big Blue will win,” said Judy Evans. “I’ve got too many relatives in New England that I’d have to listen to if we lose.”