The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their first playoff run since 2002 and Campolindo students are excited for their prospects. After enduring painful losing seasons under head coaches Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan, and Mike Solan, the 49ers hired Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s leadership has help carry the 49ers to a 13-3 season, their best since 1997.

As one of the National Football League’s most historically successful franchises, the 49ers enjoy great popularity in the East Bay, even though it is also the territory of the Oakland Raiders. Some Campo students are planning on attending the divisional round game at Candlestick Park on January 14th, including senior Cole Rider. Rider owns season tickets and has already attended five games so far this year. He is particularly excited about 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. “Alex Smith, that guy is the greatest thing since George Washington,” said Rider.

In addition to Rider, senior Conrey Giles will be attending Saturday’s game.

Alex Smith’s skills appear to be a theme among Campolindo students. Senior Will Howard said, “When you look at his ball control, finesse, and pure gamer grit, I don’t think there is anyone comparable in the league.”

The 49ers face a difficult challenge against the New Orleans Saints next week. Led by star quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints have a dominant offense that has most analysts predicting their victory on Saturday. But some students are not so easily convinced. According to senior Ryan Alva, “The 49ers will utterly crush the Saints this weekend.” Alva has been a dedicated Niners fan since childhood.

The playoff run combined with the Giants’ baseball World Series victory in 2010 presents an opportunity for the city of San Francisco to claim two championship titles in just over a year.