Any season is right season for Greg Lee

This is my favorite time of the year.

From late August through mid to late November, who doesn’t like nights watching high school football?

Then when we get into early December, we reach my other favorite time of the year – when we can go inside and watch boys and girls basketball.

Then, as snow melts and we move outside, winter gives way to early April and my other favorite time of the year – track.

You’re getting the picture I’m sure. Anytime I can be around high school sports – pretty much any high school sports – well I’m like a fat rat in a cheese factory.

North Idaho football teams have played two games and Washington teams are just a week into their seasons. It’s not too early for a few observations.

I’ve said this already but it bears repeating – 4A Greater Spokane League football is going to be competitively wild and entertaining. We saw glimpses of that last week.

• I picked Gonzaga Prep to win the 4A championship. I see the Bullpups going undefeated, too.

I figured they were in for a tussle at Richland last Friday. I was surprised that it was as tight as it turned out. G-Prep’s defense should prove to be the best in the league, but the opener showed the offense has some things to work on.

G-Prep needs to make some strides offensively before league play begins next week.

• I picked Central Valley second. Nothing from the Bears’ disappointing loss to Coeur d’Alene causes me to second guess my pick.

The Bears opened fast, building a 23-8 halftime lead with offensive balance and solid defense. But CV left a crack in the door for CdA, and the Vikings crashed through. The Bears didn’t finish.

CV must shore that up before opening against the team I picked to finish third, Lewis and Clark.

• LC’s Tigers are capable of finishing higher than third (the top three teams earn play-in berths). But I’m comfortable with right where I pegged them.

The Tigers will be balanced offensively. And the defense will be one of the best in the league. They need injured linebacker Blake Ochsner back if they hope to be the best among the 4A teams.

• The odd team out is the team I picked to finish fourth, University. And the Titans could very well prove me wrong, too.

They were nothing short of impressive in a measurable road win at Sandpoint. The Titans have the pieces to challenge for a play-in berth.

• Not too far behind in fifth will be Mead.

The Panthers will be competitive but until proven otherwise I don’t think they have as many weapons as the others. They were impressive nonetheless with a road win at Wenatchee.

• The Ferris Saxons find themselves in an odd spot under coach Jim Sharkey. This will be the first time in his nine years that they haven’t challenged for a play-in berth. They’re too inexperienced, which showed in a shutout loss to Olympia in Seattle.

• In 3A, Mt. Spokane has a proven tradition, and the other three teams pale in comparison this season. The Wildcats will get better as the season progresses, but the best 3A team in eastern Washington, by far, will be Kamiakin. Mt. Spokane can only hope it can put things together to earn the region’s second playoff berth.

• I picked Rogers to finish second and earn the league’s second play-in berth. For that to happen, the Pirates need to build some confidence in their nonleague games.

• If Rogers fails to do so, then it opens the door for Shadle Park. This isn’t your Brett Rypien Highlanders either. This is a rebuilding season.

• North Central will suffer growing pains under first-year coach Tom Griggs.