This weekend will divide both Union-Endicott High School and the Jones family, as Arthur (left) and younger brother Chandler square off in Sunday's AFC Championship game.
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Cleveland is Browns' country. No question about that, say
Glenville (Cleveland) coaches and administrators.
But come NFL postseason, especially one step short of the Super Bowl, these Tarblooders of the red and black turn a shade of 49ers' red and gold.
That's because San Francisco 49ers teammates — receiver and returner
Ted Ginn and safety
Donte Whitner — played together for Glenville in the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
The duo figure to play key roles Sunday when the 49ers travel to Atlanta in the NFC championship game.
"We're all pulling for the 49ers, there's no secret about that," said Glenville athletic director Andre Haynes.
At
Central in Louisville (Ky.), the campus is utterly divided because two former Yellowjackets are going head-to-head in Atlanta.
Corey Peters is a backup defensive tackle for the Falcons and
C.J. Spillman is a reserve safety for the 49ers. The two were teammates at Central in 2003.
"Either way we can't lose," said Central 31-year special education teacher Margaret Demaree. "Either way we're going to the Super Bowl."
They can't entirely lose or win at
Union-Endicott (Endicott, N.Y.) High School or in the Jones family either. Ravens third-year defensive lineman
Arthur Jones and Patriots rookie defensive end
Chandler Jones are brothers.
"This is a great experience to play against my brother," Chandler Jones told
CBS News. "(I'm) truly blessed and fortunate."
Arthur Jones said he's not going to lie: "It's personal. This game means a lot to me."
Many high schools and athletic teams throughout the country will watch the NFL with special interest this weekend, knowing their former athletes helped teams reach the pinnacle game.
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