Pick 6

It wasn’t a perfect start, but considering the alternative – Sam Adams’ start – I’ll take it.

I went 5-1 while Adams, SWX’s sports director, went 3-3. Adams admittedly is a slow starter. He says it’s true in most facets of his life. But he closes fast, which he did last year.

The plan is to build on my lead so Sam can’t close. Friday games unless otherwise noted.

Eastmont vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, tonight, 5

Lee: The Wildcats made a nice debut, winning on the road in Yakima. Mt. Spokane handled Eastmont last year (49-7). It’ll be more of a struggle this time. Mt. Spokane 27-20.

Adams: Mt. Spokane narrowly defeated West Valley (Yakima) and should be in for another close one in its home debut. Mt. Spokane 24-14.

Southridge vs. Mead at Albi, tonight, 7:30

Lee: I had a sneaking suspicion the Panthers were going to make some noise last week and I was right. Mead continues to build on its momentum this week. Mead 35-13.

Adams: Clearly I underestimated the Mead coaching staff’s ability to get their players on the same page in a rushed offseason. The Panthers come out hungry in coach Benji Sonnichsen’s Albi debut. Mead 35-21.

Pullman at Freeman, 7

Lee: This sets up as a donnybrook and perhaps the best of the six games featured here. Both teams broke out fast last week, and I don’t see either slowing down. This is a playoff-caliber game. Pullman 28-22.

Adams: I expect Freeman to use a couple of well-timed big plays and a consistent running game (nearly 300 yards last week) to beat the Greyhounds. Freeman 28-21.

Lewis and Clark at Moses Lake, 7

Lee: LC played well in its opener and has the makings of a team that could make a run come season’s end. LC 30-14.

Adams: I made the mistake of picking against the Tigers last week. Never again! This team is the real deal. LC 35-28.

Central Valley at Lake City, 7

Lee: The Bears got in their way and didn’t finish last week against Coeur d’Alene, and the Vikings took advantage for a come-from- behind win. CV bounces back nicely and the young Timberwolves continue to learn. CV 37-20.

Adams: I think the hangover effect will have an impact on the Bears as they travel to face a T-Wolves squad that doesn’t want to fall to 0-3. LC 28-20.

Post Falls vs. University, 7

Lee: University, used a road grader to flatten Sandpoint last week in the second half. The Titans won’t have any difficulty improving to 2-0. U-Hi 44-21.

Adams: U-Hi ran the ball 50 times last week. I expect more ground and pound on the Inferno in Cheney in yet another high-scoring affair. U-Hi 35-21.