Pick 6: Try as he might, Sam Adams continues to lag behind

I held my ground.

More like I maintained my lead – which, at this point in the fall, is more important.

Sam Adams thought he could make up some ground last week, but we ended up going 4-2 each. That puts me at 39-15 (.722) and Adams at 33-21 (.611).

We move into the postseason this week.

Madison at Coeur d’Alene, Friday, 7

Lee: For a quarterfinal opener for the Vikings, this will be a test. Madison beat Skyline 21-13 while, you may recall, CdA laid an egg in its season opener, getting shutout by Skyline 22-0. And CdA is coming off a loss to Post Falls in a meaningless game as far as postseason was concerned. I see the Viks responding well, much like they did after losing to Skyline. CdA 29-20.

Adams: The last time these two teams met, Madison came out on top, 37-30, to win the 5A state championship in Pocatello. That was a few years ago, but you’ve got to think that’s weighing on the minds of more than a few in Coeur d’Alene. But payback may have to wait for at least another year, as they face a Madison team that is ranked No. 2 in the Idaho state power rankings. Unless the Vikings can recapture their consistent form, their playoff run may end prematurely on their own field. Madison 27-24.

Rogers at Kamiakin, Friday, 7

Lee: First, a hearty congratulations to the Pirates – the coolest story of the fall. I know Rogers will put up a good fight Friday, problem is the Pirates are going against one of the tried-and-true programs in eastern Washington. Tradition and postseason are words common to Kamiakin. Not so much for Rogers. Kamiakin 36-13.

Adams: Greg thinks it’s a sentimental pick, but I think it’s a smart pick. Rogers has skill all over the football field, and when the stakes are high in the postseason, I want guys like Khalil Winfrey that can make electric plays. Also keep in mind, the Pirates have fared well in previous cross-over games against teams from the Columbia Basin. Go Rogers! Rogers 21-17.

Kennewick at Mt. Spokane, Friday, Albi, 7

Lee: The Wildcats are getting used to this postseason thing. I’ve said this a couple times this fall but Mt. Spokane has surprised me, all in a good way. The difference here will be defense. Mt. Spokane’s quickness to the ball will be key. I see the Wildcats being in Kennewick’s backfield a lot. Mt. Spokane 38-14.

Adams: I have picked against Mt. Spokane far too many times and they’ve made me eat my words almost every time. This is a Wildcat team that has lost just once in the regular season, and they may not lose again anytime soon. It’s certainly not going to happen this Friday at Albi. Mt. Spokane 35-13.

Lewis and Clark at Richland, Friday, 7

Lee: Richland is easily the MCC’s best 4A team. Overall, the MCC was weak and not as competitive as the GSL. Because of that, I give LC a fighting chance. Another reason I give the Tigers hope is they know how to play defense. Coach Dave Hughes reminded me last Friday that the year LC won a state title, in 2007, the Tigers started with a road game at Richland. I hope they can conjure up some of that mojo. Richland 21-14.

Adams: Lewis and Clark has made it back to the postseason on the strength of a regular season-ending victory against Mead. But as the No. 3 seed out of the GSL, the Tigers draw the short stick against Richland. The Bombers have had their share of success against Spokane teams, and unfortunately that might just continue into the first round of these 4A playoffs. Richland 24-14.

Walla Walla at Gonzaga Prep, Friday, 6

Lee: What a classic mismatch. If this isn’t over by the end of the first quarter then something is wrong with the Bullpups. They got Mason Plese back last week, and G-Prep already had plenty of offensive weapons. G-Prep 42-7.

Adams: G-Prep is a very dangerous team right now. They’re healthy. They’re confident. They’re playing some of their best football of the year. Head coach Dave McKenna will cringe if he hears me say this, but G-Prep even at 50 percent is better than Walla Walla at 100 percent. Bullpups should win easily to advance. G-Prep 42-14.

Chiawana at Central Valley, Friday, 6

Lee: Chiawana coach Steve Graff doesn’t rebuild he reloads. Still, this is a team that has had its challenges this year, especially with playing a lot of youth. The RiverHawks will play defense, and we know the Bears flourish with defense. So it should be a low-scoring game, but the Bears advance. CV 17-10.

Adams: The Bears lost just twice this season … a stunning last-second loss to Coeur d’Alene and a respectable defeat to undefeated Gonzaga Prep. Their reward? A matchup with 2013 4A state champion Chiawana. The Riverhawks aren’t the same Riverhawks they were last season. But here’s the thing. Every time I seem to pick CV to win, the Bears lose. And whenever I pick against them, they win. So I’m taking one for the team and picking Chiawana. You’re welcome, Bears. Chiawana 27-20.