Week 1 of NWPrepsNow’s Pick 6

The rubber-match season is upon us.

The Scribe (Greg Lee) won the first Pick 6 season and the Talking Head (Sam Adams) broke through last year. So by season’s end, somebody will have bragging rights.

It should be a season chock full of exciting football, to be sure. The 4A teams in the Greater Spokane League will be hotly competitive, and there could be some parity among the 5A Inland Empire League teams as well.

Of the six games this week, we differ on four. So either one of us will have a nice lead or we’ll be tied up. All games are on Friday.

Colville at Cheney, 7

Lee: The Indians, fresh off their State 1A runner-up finish, have some work to do. Graduation hit Colville hard, but Randy Cornwell and staff do a fantastic job and will keep things basic with their base Wing T attack. I’m going with the Blackhawks at home. Cheney 20-13.

Adams: Colville had all of one loss last season, and it came by a point in overtime in the state championship game against Cascade Christian. Expect them to come out and make a statement in Cheney. Colville 14-10.

University at Sandpoint, 7

Lee: This will be an entertaining game to be sure. Sandpoint 43-27.

Adams: These teams combined for more than 100 points in last year’s opener. We’ll see some more offensive fireworks . U-Hi 42-38.

Mead at Wenatchee, 7

Lee: Welcome to the Benji era – Benji Sonnichsen that is. In a battle of the Panthers, I’m going to go with a minor upset here. Mead opens the Benji era in fine fashion. Mead 27-21.

Adams: Mead could surprise some people this year, but I don’t think that success is going to come right away. Wenatchee 21-7.

Gonzaga Prep at Richland, 7

Lee: I expect great things out of the gate for the Bullpups’ defense, which should suffocate the Bombers. G-Prep won’t need much offense. G-Prep 30-13.

Adams: This was tightly contested last year at G-Prep, with the Bullpups winning 24-21. Behind a veteran offensive line and a stout defense, G-Prep will be off and running with a win to start the season. G-Prep 34-14.

Lake City vs. L.C. at Albi, 7

Lee: Lake City should learn from its loss last week, but it won’t be enough against the Tigers. Lewis and Clark 24-20.

Adams: Lake City shut out Lewis and Clark this time last year (29-0). I think the turf at Albi will prove to be the difference maker with Lake City cutting the rug. Lake City 24-20.

Coeur d’Alene at Central Valley, 7

Lee: The Bears have been notoriously slow starters the past five years. If CV sputters, CdA will have more than a chance. CV 30-21.

Adams: CV has certainly closed the gap since last year’s 50-14 loss at CdA. CV 27-21.