Panthers, Titans kick off GSL season on Thursday

Two 2012 playoff-qualifying teams christen the 2013 Greater Spokane League football season.

University, which advanced to the 3A semifinals, faces Mead at Joe Albi Stadium on Thursday in a single game. Kickoff is at 7:15.

The Titans have many holes to fill, especially on defense. The Panthers graduated some key playmakers, but have plenty who are poised to become the next playmakers.

The rest of the GSL teams begin their seasons on Friday.

The best of all of the GSL openers involves Ferris at Central Valley. Kickoff is at 7 and is the SWX Game of the Week.

Ferris knocked off CV when the teams met in an opener last year. CV played its first five games without academically ineligible quarterback Adam Chamberlain. He’s back and has a seasoned offensive line to block for him.

Ferris also returns a veteran offensive line.

“It’s going to be a real physical game up front,” Ferris coach Jim Sharkey said. “What it will come down to is which team’s playmakers step up.”

In a doubleheader at Albi, Mt. Spokane and North Central square off at 5 followed by Rogers and Shadle Park at 7:30.

In the other opener, Lewis and Clark visits Gonzaga Prep at 7.

• As it turns out, three play-in berths are available to 3A GSL teams this season instead of two.

• In another game Thursday, Graham Kapowsin visits Post Falls (0-1). Kickoff is at 6.

• In other games in the region Friday, Lake City (0-1) treks to Kennewick, Sandpoint goes to East Valley, Chewelah is at Deer Park, St. Maries (1-0) visits Medical Lake, Lewiston goes to Lakeland, Cheney travels to East Valley (Yakima), Bonners Ferry (1-0) is at Newport, Freeman goes to Colville and Clarkston visits Moscow. All begin at 7.

Riverside and Timberlake meet at the Kibbie Dome, beginning at 7:30.

• In a game Saturday, Coeur d’Alene (1-0) travels to Seattle to meet Bothell in the Emerald City Classic at 4.

CdA rallied from a 28-6 deficit to down West Linn (Ore.) 49-35 last Friday.

The Viks got off to a shaky start, but there was a reason for it, coach Shawn Amos said. His son, senior quarterback Gunnar Amos, missed seven practices battling a combination of strep throat and mononucleosis. He got off his sick bed to attend a light practice the day before the game.