There is no question: T-Wolves will win

Every where I’ve turned the last couple of weeks, I’ve been asked a similar question.

“How bad will Lake City beat Coeur d’Alene?”

Yes, this is the week that Coeur d’Alene and Lake City meet in the only fall sport that counts – football. Now before the e-mails and phone calls start coming, rest assured, friends, that I’m only kidding.

Still, I’m not asked how the city rivals will fare in volleyball or soccer or cross country. Swimming? Does that sport exist? (OK, club sport fans, just kidding again.)

In this crosstown rivalry that began in 1994, football is the sport most responsible for the development of the rivalry. Boys basketball would be the next sport that has added to it and even girls basketball has chipped in lately (see the 5A state title game between the city schools last year). To an even smaller extent, baseball and softball can be found on the rivalry radar.

Staff writer Dave Trimmer examined the city rivalry in a piece he did this week (see story that starts on the front of the section). He started with the idea that this is a city divided because of the two schools. He found quite the opposite.

Oh, sure, these schools want to win when they square off in any activity. But it’s not at a win-at-all-costs level.

Which brings me back to the question I’ve been asked recently. See, most folks figure that the defending state champion Timberwolves are heavily favored to beat the Vikings, who will field a starting lineup comprised of more juniors than seniors, when the teams face off Friday at LC.

But I must caution most who think LC will win without breaking a sweat. Nothing can level a playing field faster than a crosstown rivalry.

That being said, the Vikings’ chances of winning Friday reside somewhere between slim and none – and the scale in that scenario is leaning heavily toward none.

Can CdA win? Yes, this is high school sports we’re talking about. But it’s not going to happen.

LC won’t be overconfident. There’s too much at stake for that to happen. LC will be out to protect its 16-game winning streak and take a big step toward an 11th straight state playoff appearance.

Based on early results, LC will win in a dominating fashion – the crosstown rivalry notwithstanding.