The city of Madera is taking on a bet with the city of Rutland, Massachusetts, based on the outcome of this year’s Super Bowl LIII.

The friendly wager is pitting the heart of California, Madera, with Rutland, as both are at the geographic centers of their state.

 

The grand prize for the friendly bet will be a basket of locally produced items given by the losing state’s team.

Madera City Manager Arnoldo Rodriquez said the challenge came from an unexpected call from Rutland’s new Town Administrator and Patriots fan, Michael Nicholson.

“They are the geographic center of Massachusetts and the City of Madera is the heart of California,” said Rodriguez. “Given that both states have teams in the Super Bowl, Michael asked if we’d be interested in entertaining a friendly wager.”

The Los Angeles Rams seek to avenge a 17-year-old Super Bowl XXXIV defeat by the New England Patriots, a game they lost 20-17.

“I figure win or lose, we’re going to send them a basket as a consolation prize,” Rodriguez said. “The Patriots may let them down, but the City of Madera will be there to lift them back up during their time of need. Go Rams!”

Nicholson just had a few choice words to say about the bet: “It’s on!”