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

Pick 6: Shadle Park vs. CV, Part II

We got more right than we got wrong last week and we split in the two games we differed. So we remain tied overall. That will all change this week. We only disagree on one game. It’s my chance to assume the top spot – as long as Mt. Spokane comes through. More on that in a moment. KHQ/SWX sports director Sam Adams and yours truly will keep this going through the playoffs as long as we have area teams alive. How competitive are this week’s six games that we picked? Well, we could have differed on all six. It’s easily the toughest week for us to pick all season. It could be a rough week overall for us. I see at least five games capable of going to the wire. Last week: Adams 4-2 (28-14 overall), Lee 4-2 (28-14) 

Moscow at Lakeland

(Friday, 7 p.m.) Lee: Lakeland 30-14. Lakeland is clearly the best team in the 4A IEL. The Hawks will take the first step toward securing a state berth Friday and cap it with a win at Sandpoint the following week. Adams: Lakeland 35-12. Since being held to nine points against Cheney, Lakeland’s offense has been on a roll. The Hawks should have no problem containing a Bears offense that hasn’t score more than two touchdowns in each of their last three games.

Pullman at East Valley

(Friday, 7 p.m.) Lee: EV 23-21. I’m very, very conflicted after West Valley knocked off the Knights last week. Just goes to show that anything can happen in the GNL. Pullman is very capable of beating EV, but I’ve got to go with the home team. Adams: EV 42-34. The Greyhounds enter the toughest stretch of their GNL season with games against EV and WV the next two weeks. EV’s big play threats were nullified by some questionable officiating at WV, but they’ll get back on track Friday.

Cheney at West Valley

(Friday, 7 p.m.) Lee: WV 30-20. Eagles coach Craig Whitney doesn’t need to have the paper boy on standby this week. But this could be a trap game for WV coming off its huge win last week. Adams: WV 38-35. The rivalry win last week was just what the Eagles needed coming down the stretch. Marcus Jackson could be the difference in what figures to be a shootout.

Shadle Park at Central Valley

(Friday, 7 p.m.) Lee: Shadle 36-24. This won’t have a 67-yard field goal and Brett Rypien won’t throw for more than 500 yards. But this should be entertaining nonetheless. The Highlanders are the hottest team around and that hot streak isn’t ending anytime soon. CV is capable if it can control the clock and keep Shadle’s high-octane offense on the sidelines. Adams: Shadle 35-28. CV is becoming the team that we all thought it would be at the start of the season. The Bears would love to run the gauntlet and earn a trip to the playoffs but unless there’s a blend of Miracle-Gro that grows grass up to 5 feet tall at CV, I don’t see the Bears slowing down the Highlanders’ quick-strike passing attack.

Gonzaga Prep vs. Mt. Spokane

(Friday, Albi, 7:30 p.m.) Lee: Mt. Spokane 27-21. I called for a Mt. Spokane win over Mead earlier this year so why not a second Upset Special? Two teams that want to run the ball but have the ability to throw. Mt. Spokane dual-threat QB Stu Stiles is the difference. Adams: G-Prep 42-35. This one might come down to the final whistle. Mt. Spokane’s offense is clicking on all cylinders behind Stu Stiles, but G-Prep’s going to lay it all on the line to keep its GSL title hopes alive.

Coeur d’Alene at Lake City

(Friday, 7 p.m.) Lee: CdA 33-27. I picked CdA to win the league so I have to pick CdA here. But I do so hesitantly. LC has enough weapons to go toe to toe with the Viks. This won’t be decided until late. Adams: CdA 48-40. The unfortunate part about this game is only one of these teams will make it to the playoffs. Either of these teams could easily play for the 5A state title. It’s going to be the last team with the ball that probably wins. The Viks very well could storm out to a big lead by halftime, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Timberwolves come storming back to make this a one-TD game.