Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee
I’ll admit that I was all wet on the “upset special” last week - Sandpoint handled Lake City - but I offer this refresher on the overall numbers. I missed just one game out of 10 and put more distance between myself and the guest predictors. The scribe easily handled the Talking Head, KVNI sports broadcaster Jeff McLean.
McLean limped in with seven correct picks. Heading into the sixth week, the overall tally is Lee 45-7 (.865), Guests 36-16 (.692).
We’re just playing out the string the final four weeks. I’m seriously thinking of calling up the junior varsity predictor, my friend and co-worker Jim Meehan. OK, he did get lucky and beat me last year, and he’ll take on yours truly in the final week of the regular season.
I’ve invited Coeur d’Alene’s top gun, police chief Dave Scates, to take his best shot at me this week. Scates, one of the most personable law enforcement types you’d ever want to meet, volunteers as an assistant coach at CdA High. His son, Mark, a junior, is a standout two-way starter at fullback and linebacker.
Game of the Week
The Coeur d’Alene-Sandpoint rivalry has lost none of its appeal despite the fact that it’s been one-sided. The Vikings haven’t lost to the Bulldogs since 1977.
If ever there was a year the Viks’ streak is vulnerable, it’s this fall.
CdA opens league after losing four of its five non-league games by a combined 16 points. Yes, the Viks easily could be 5-0 instead of 1-4.
At the risk of discovering a carp on my desk next week (see column), I’m going to have to pick the Vikings. The Bulldogs took umbrage with my upset special last week.
This pick will most likely serve as another source of motivation for the Bulldogs. CdA 24, Sandpoint 21.
Guest: Coeur d’Alene homecoming, home field and tradition will be just enough. Coeur d’Alene must slow down a very good Sandpoint rushing attack led by Jeremy Thielbahr and not turn the ball over. Coeur d’Alene 21, Sandpoint 19.
Bonners Ferry at Lakeland: The Badgers will face the weakest Lakeland team in five years Friday, and it’s the best opportunity Bonners Ferry has had to snap its losing streak against the Hawks.
This should be a hard-fought defensive struggle. So for no other reason than the streak won’t go on forever … Bonners Ferry 15, Lakeland 14.
Guest: Two good running teams. Lakeland with home field and good defense prevails. Lakeland 20, Bonners Ferry 13.
Lewiston at Lake City: Injuries and losses are taking their toll on the Timberwolves. Lewiston tunes up for lateseason run. Lewiston 42, Lake City 13.
Guest: Too many weapons for Lewiston. Banged-up Lake City won’t quit. Lewiston 38, Lake City 14.
Other picks Lee Scates Post Falls 34, Colville 7 Post Falls 35, Colville 8 Moscow 28, Kellogg 20 Moscow 34, Kellogg 22 Wallace 20, Priest River 13 Wallace 28, Priest River 24 Mullan 52, F. Christian 20 Mullan 48, F. Christian 18 Lakeside 42, Clark Fork 12 Lakeside 35, Clark Fork 12
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