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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

I was this close to a perfect opening week.

Wallace and Kellogg kissed sisters and will try to break their lip-lock when they tangle again in October. Meanwhile, Coeur d’Alene, seemingly jinxed against Boise, watched the Braves rally in the final minutes for a one-point decision.

I take a comfortable lead into the second week after picking 7 of 9 games correctly. My season-opening guest, Coeur d’Alene High School athletic director Larry Schwenke, suffered from what coaches call “opening-game mistakes” as he had a 4-of-9 showing.

The guests have much ground to pick up. The chore falls on the broad shoulders of Lakeland High principal Chuck Kinsey.

Kinsey, a volunteer varsity football coach at Lakeland during the playing days of his two sons, Matt and John, remains close to the game. He frequently attends practices and was on the sideline Friday during Lakeland’s season opener at Post Falls.

Kinsey has not been shy to share his opinions, especially when they clash with yours truly. Never one to hold a grudge, I suspect this is Kinsey’s opportunity for revenge.

Game of the Week

The traditional non-league game between Sandpoint and Lakeland has been anything but competitive over the years. Lakeland has owned the series, winning 6 of 7 games since 1985.

If ever there were an opportunity to turn fortunes around it is this year. Lakeland discovered it has much work ahead to get ready for Intermountain League foes after a season-opening loss at Post Falls.

Sandpoint would gain much more confidence as it gears up for Inland Empire League opponents with a win over another quality program. The Bulldogs earned a much-needed victory in their season opener as they rallied to defeat Bonners Ferry 29-22.

Expect Lakeland to make measurable improvement this week. I take Lakeland largely because the game is in Rathdrum. Lakeland 20, Sandpoint 14.

Guest: The Hawks lost to a really tough Post Falls team and I expect them to bounce back strong. The last time a Lakeland team has lost two games in a row was 1990. I don’t expect that to happen again. Lakeland 28, Sandpoint 14.

Post Falls at Bonners Ferry: For a second straight week Post Falls will take on one of the top programs in the Intermountain League.

For a second straight week the Trojans will win.

Bonners Ferry will be a load for IML opponents to handle in weeks to come, but the Badgers will have difficulty defending the multiple-weapon Trojan attack. Post Falls 34, Bonners Ferry 13.

Guest: Post Falls is very strong. Bonners Ferry lost a tough game last week and the Badgers will bounce back and play strong in their home opener. But they’re up against a very tough opponent. Post Falls 28, BF 21.

Cheney at Lake City: The first victory continues to elude the T-Wolves. Cheney 27, LC 13.

Guest: Cheney 28, LC 21.

Other picks Lee Kinsey E.Valley 15, CdA 14 CdA 28, E.Valley 21 Lewiston 35, W.Valley 21 Lewiston 38, W.Valley 14 Pullman 21, Moscow 14 Moscow 28, Pullman 21 Wallace 21, T.Falls 8 Wallace 20, T.Falls 6 Kellogg 21, LS (Wash.) 13 Kellogg 21, Lakeside 14 Priest River 20, Newport 19 Priest River 14, Newport 7 Mullan 48, Lakeside 22 Mullan 36, Lakeside 21 Clark Fork 34, Kootenai 12 Clark Fork 28, Kootenai 21 St. Maries 27, Freeman 14 St. Maries 32, Freeman 21

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