While people placed their bets and predictions in Las Vegas the weeks before the Super Bowl, Parkway West English teacher Dan Barnes was doing his own prediction board.

In the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, Barnes opened his entire white board for students at Parkway West to write their predictions. In order to be the winner of the contest, the student must predict the score, winner and the MVP of the game correctly.

“I started doing it about my second year of teacher. It was just meant to be something fun for the kids to do between all the classes and it was an easy way for me to bring football (something I really enjoy) into the classroom.  I also thought it would just be something fun to do with my students,” Barnes said.

Junior Danny Tiffin was named the winner of the prediction contest, predicting the score 35-31 Ravens, with quarterback Joe Flacco as the MVP.

“I was surprised that I even came close in the contest,” Tiffin said. “I figured that it would be a close and high scoring game, but I chose the Ravens because I wanted them to win, so the rest was just luck.”

Tiffin’s prize was bragging rights for an entire year until the Super Bowl comes around next year.

Barnes is willing to give advice to those who will participate in the prediction next year.

“Don’t assume your knowledge of football will help you.  It’s designed so anyone can play,” Barnes said.

So future participants: pay attention to football this upcoming year, and with a little luck, you could be the winner next year!