The weeks before the 2014 Super Bowl provided enthusiasm and excitement unparalleled in the Pacific Northwest, since, well, perhaps, the end of World War II. Seahawk pennants were flying from Bellingham to Clarkston, from Vancouver to Colville. Seahawk tee-shirts were seen in otherwise formal workplaces, walking the streets, in medical clinics as well as in the showrooms and repair areas of vehicle dealerships.

My friend and hunting buddy, Dr. Thomas Steffens, is a general surgeon at the Grand Junction Veterans Administration Medical Center in Colorado. He began working in Colorado, his home state, after years of making his home in Moses Lake. His team loyalty was never brought into question, because he could root for his favorite team, the Broncos or the Seahawks, and no one would know the difference.

This year was difference. The Broncos continued to win and so did the Seahawks. Finally a showdown on the second of February was inevitable. We all know the outcome.

Greetings Thomas,

Much sympathy is sent from my house to yours concerning your recent loss. I'm not one to gloat or wallow in a victory, but this is a special circumstance. After all, you were not pushing the envelope, but you made it known you beloved Broncos were superior to most other NFL teams.

No, I agree, you didn't come out and say this in so many words, but the insinuation was obvious.

Certainly you were not the only person in the world to suggest or hint the Bronco quarterback was far superior to the Seahawk quarterback as far as experience is concerned. As a result most people across the spectrum of television channels speculated Denver would win, although the scores suggested were within three points.

Yes, I know, three points have been important in our lives, especially when we are hunting mule deer bucks. A legal buck must have three points on one of his antlers.

Yes, I know, you are a good shot and have taken many 3-point bucks when I was by your side. One, at 100 yards, was a shot in the neck, putting the animal down without a quiver. Another was a shot at a closer range, again a neck shot.

But back to the game: Do you know the fastest score in Super Bowl history occurred after 12 seconds of play with a safety on the first play? This team from Seattle also set a record for the most playing time while in the lead during a Super Bowl game with the amount of time being 59 minutes and 48 seconds. Now, I'm not so good at math, but add 12 seconds to the 59 minutes and 48 seconds and you have the time of an entire game of 60 minutes.

Yes, I know, you don't want to hear this, but there is more. The Seahawks scored after 12 seconds with the 87-yard kickoff return to begin the second half. Interesting how the first play of each half was completed in 12 seconds and both resulting in Seahawk scores.

Yes, I remember many of your other good shots while deer hunting. In fact, I think you are the best shot I know while hunting deer. There was the doe taken in the flat at 150 yards and again it was a neck shot, plus, about seven other does taken at various ranges, with most of these being neck shots.

But back to the game: Denver did set a record during this game; the most Super Bowls lost by a team is five and, yes, you guessed correctly, the team is the Broncos.

But don't let all of this get you down for too long, Thomas, as there is always next year. Wouldn't it be great to have the same two teams in the 2015 Super Bowl? Such a result is possible, of course. I would expect the outcome to be the same, too.

So during the next 12 months, you have the opportunity to relive the entire last Super Bowl, all 60 minutes. The game is recorded and I will be able to send you a snippet here and there, say 12 seconds or so every month. How about beginning with the first 12 seconds of the first half?

Oh, and then there is our time at 2014 deer camp next October, where viewing the entire game will be possible, every night, if you prefer.

Sincerely, Dennis