Whose side is God really on?

There was quarterback Russell Wilson, mobbed by reporters, tears overflowing grateful eyes.

In the wake of one of Seattle's most amazing games ever, an astonishing last-minute comeback over the Green Bay Packers, Wilson told millions of viewers: "God is good all the time man, every time."

The multitudes were suitably moved.

Generating somewhat fewer hallelujahs only moments before was his teammate, running back Marshawn Lynch, scoring the go-ahead touchdown and promptly grabbing his twig and berries. While Wilson's humility might have earned him six points on heaven's scoreboard, Lynch's gesture netted a $20,000 NFL fine. It was probably $20,000 because, the game before, Lynch grabbed his wedding tackle after scoring a touchdown against the Cardinals, resulting in an $11,000 donation to the league.

But that was then and this is now. Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and the Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots for the unofficial championship of the universe (although it is said Neptune has a great defensive team that bettors love because they always cover the "under.") Advertisers are spending something like $4.4 million for a 20-second TV spot, so we know this matters. But there's much we don't know, like: Who is God really rooting for?

On that big screen in the sky, Lynch's anti-heroics might be equaled or even bested by New England's blatant cheating. No, not the deflated football thing - quarterback Tom Brady's devilishly good looks to go with that almighty right arm. To all of us mere mortal males, it just isn't fair. As far as the holy scales of injustice are concerned, then, let's say Lynch and Brady cancel each other out; let's call both teams wickedly even.

Here in North Idaho, let's also agree that every football fan who owes no allegiance to the Patriots pledges her or his unfailing support to Seattle for the next 24 hours. Because the outcome matters so much to so many of our friends and neighbors, let us enlarge the 12th Man. Let us cheer wildly for "our" Seahawks to prevail, and while we're at it, let's also root for an astonishing apparel failure during the halftime show, and for nature's most urgent calls not to coincide with the best commercials of the day.

As for God and His favored football flock, don't be surprised if He doesn't even watch the game. Could be He's having too much fun swapping stories with a new resident - some guy named Banks.