Horizon Instructional Coach Margaret Maynard referees the Academic Bowl with Caleb Williams, from left, Callie Gregory and Karen Purser. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON — With Super Bowl mania raging, Horizon Elementary School second-graders focused on academics for their bowl bid.

Horizon’s Academic Bowl “provided friendly competition in a game-like atmosphere,” second-grade teacher Sarah Blankenship said. Relying on teamwork, students answered questions based on second-grade curriculum.

Four-member opposing teams squared off in the cafeteria with scoreboards and question boards on the stage. Teams changed out each quarter. As referee, instructional coach Margaret Maynard asked questions in reading, spelling, grammar, math, science and social studies.

A correct answer delivered a six-point touchdown. Team vied for one-point bonuses in science or social studies.

Carolyn Parker and Blankenship’s classes portrayed the San Francisco 49ers. Summer Chance and Annette Driggers’ were the Baltimore Ravens. Everyone brandished student-made signs, shakers and pompoms. “Halftime was relaxed with music. Students visited and enjoyed fresh popped popcorn and water,” Blankenship said.

Second-grade room moms also helped with the bowl.

One reading question asked, “What’s the difference between the genres of fiction and nonfiction?” For math, what is the sum of 236 and 60?

Horizon’s Academic Bowl “was as exciting as the real Super Bowl. In the last quarter, the 49ers turned out a victory of 65 to 64 by answering the bonus question correctly,” Chance said.

At the bowl, teachers “stressed the importance of being good winners as well as good losers,” Blankenship said. “Giving your best no matter what is more important than the outcome.”

At 'half-time' at the Academic Bowl, Horizon students visited with MARF volunteers and a Saint Bernard. (CONTRIBUTED)

In addition, Horizon students have adopted Madison Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF) for its community service project. MARF founder Miki Bennett explained to students that MARF, a non-profit foundation, places homeless animals with families.

Second-grader Jai’Den Harris liked how teachers asked questions in the Academic Bowl. “Especially the bonus questions,” Jai’Den said. “I liked dressing up, getting my face painted and cheering with my team using my poster and shaker.”

Jai’Den hopes people support MARF “so the animals can get a good place to sleep, good food to eat and a good home where they can be treated the same as family.” His mother is Monica McGill.