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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Pick 6: Playing from way behind

I like where I stand after two weeks. I’m cautious, though. Last year I had a four-game leading going into October and ended up losing the season battle. So while I like my 10-2 start, you won’t see me celebrating. Sam, on the other hand, is off to a pedestrian 6-6 beginning. Sam doesn’t have to hit a home run ball yet. He can pick me off a game at a time like he did last year. At the same time I can’t sit on my lead either. As it turns out, we don’t have any differences this week. So I hope Sam goes 6-0.

West Valley vs. Rogers, Thursday, Albi, 4:45

Lee: Nice win by the Pirates last week over Lakeside, a good Northeast A team. Rogers hasn’t won two games in a season since 2011. The Pirates also won two games in 2008. But I see more than two victories by season’s end. The last time Rogers won three came in 2000. The last winning season came in 1994 (5-4). There’s a chance that could happen. Anyway, all that to say I see Rogers moving to 2-1. Rogers 30, WV 20. Adams: Last year, the Eagles rolled over the Pirates in Millwood. Will the Pirates be able to fly the Jolly Roger this time around at Joe Albi Stadium? I believe so. WV lost a lot from last year while Rogers seems to be headed in the right direction. Rogers 20, WV 19.

Lake City vs. Shadle Park, Thursday, Albi, 7:15

Lee: The game offers a breakthrough for both teams. LC is 0-3 but has played a difficult schedule. Shadle is coming off a 52-0 drubbing by Richland. LC should make the most of its learning lessons. LC 33, Shadle 13. Adams: Both of these teams are still trying to find a way to replace key playmakers from last year. Shadle has the considerably bigger shoes to fill with Brett Rypien, but Lake City has struggled on its way to a 0-3 start (much like me!). Al that being said, I’m going to pick the Timberwolves until they come through for me. LC 28, Shadle 21.

Mt. Spokane at Sandpoint, Friday, 7

Lee: Sandpoint upset Mt. Spokane last year at Albi. That was with a junior-based team. I see two factors favoring Sandpoint. The Bulldogs have played a challenging schedule and are 1-2. And they’re playing at home – although they’ve lost two in a row at home. Sandpoint should snap that losing streak. Sandpoint 27, Mt. Spokane 20. Adams: Sandpoint got lit up for 378 passing yards last week. I think the Bulldogs will find a way to bounce back at War Memorial Stadium against Mt. Spokane – though quarterback Mitch Speer will find a way to get more than 300 in the air. Sandpoint 30, Mt. Spokane 28. Moses Lake at Coeur d’Alene, Friday, 7 Lee: The young Vikings seemed to have figured it out. My one concern, though, is they need a more productive running game. But with the talented duo at quarterback, they’re fine for one more week. Moses Lake caught my attention with the win against Lewis and Clark last week. CdA 28, Moses Lake 17. Adams: I’m betting big that the Vikings are back. A healthy dose of Austin Lee on the ground will set up some big plays for him in the air. CdA looks to be in line for a third straight win – thanks to that late TD at CV that I believe is the turning point of the Viks’ season. CdA 35, Moses Lake 28.

Central Valley vs. Lewis and Clark, Friday, Albi, 5

Lee: At the start of the season, I saw this game as deciding the league’s second play-in berth – what with me picking Gonzaga Prep to win the title. I picked CV to grab the second seed. I’m sticking with that pick. The teams have a common opponent. LC defeated Lake City two weeks ago 35-14 at Albi. CV defeated Lake City 26-0 at LC last week. Both teams have good defenses. I give the offensive edge to CV. This could go down to the final possession. CV 28, LC 21. Adams: After managing a split against two of the toughest teams in North Idaho, the CV Bears face off with a LC Tigers team that had a similar outcome against Moses Lake and Lake City. The Bears haven’t historically played well at Albi, but last week’s win at Lake City showed me something. CV 24, LC 21.

Gonzaga Prep vs. Mead, Friday, Albi, 7:30

Lee: Count me as impressed with Mead through two weeks. Count the Panthers as excited to take on the preseason favorite. Mead has added pages to a playbook that was 99 percent run heavy in recent years. G-Prep has won two challenging games on the road including a trip to the Tacoma. Mead will tell you they’re a work in progress. Well, in some aspects, G-Prep is a work in progress. But the Bullpups have less work. The first two weeks benefit G-Prep more than Mead. G-Prep 37, Mead 24. Adams: Battle of 2-0 teams at Albi. One has annihilated its opponents (Mead) while the other has barely edged its two opponents (G-Prep). I’m forecasting a close won, and I’m sure the Panthers will be breathing fire Friday. But emotion is the last thing you want when you’re trying to contain the Bullpups’ veer offense. G-Prep 30, Mead 22.