Pick 6 - The Scribe gets out front early

Starts like last week aren’t anything new to Sam Adams.

He’s found himself behind in each of the first three seasons with one come-from-behind win two years ago.

Yours truly went 4-2 while Sam had those numbers transposed. He didn’t have the worst opening night, though. Greater Spokane League teams went a combined 3-7 – the worst start since they opened their schedules up in 2014. GSL teams were outscored 245-125.

While I like my start, I learned last year that no lead is safe. I had Adams in a six-game hole only to watch him give me a scare through the final week.

I have no choice. I have to keep playing add on.

Coeur d’Alene vs. Mead, Thursday, Albi, 5

Lee: I expected a much more competitive game between CdA and Central Valley last week. The Vikings remind me of the teams that captured three state championships in a five-year stretch. They can pass and they can run. And their defense is active. Mead opened with an easy win over Post Falls. The Panthers have the potential to be the best in the GSL. The scoreboard operator could suffer a sprained wrist in this matchup. CdA 42-35.

Adams: The best game of the week might be the first game of the week. CdA QB Colson Yankoff gave Central Valley fits last week, and the run-pass threat presents a big challenge to Mead’s defense. Last team to touch the ball very well could win. CdA 42-35.

Cheney vs. North Central, Thursday, Albi, 7:30

Lee: The Indians needed two fourth quarter touchdowns to knock off East Valley on the road. Cheney fell short against visiting Sunnyside. NC has a chance to build some momentum, but expect the Blackhawks to be charged up for a chance to beat a GSL team. NC 20-14.

Adams: Both teams will be treated to much better field conditions than last week when they had to slop it up in the mud. Rain or shine, the Albi field turf should yield some points, and afford Cheney’s Charles Johnson ample opportunity to make some good cuts and gash NC’s defense. Cheney 21-14.

East Valley at Lakeland, Friday, 7

Lee: The Knights and the Hawks scored the same amount of points last week, six. That’s usually not enough. But in Lakeland’s defense, the Hawks ran into a stout defense at Colville. All I can take out of last week’s games is this will likely be low scoring. Lakeland will find just enough offense. Lakeland 19-13.

Adams: These GSL 3A and GNL 2A crossovers are providing some competitive and compelling matchups. Friday’s pairing between the Knights and Hawks could go down to the wire. I expect the Knights to notch their first win. EV 16-14.

University at Post Falls, Friday, 7

Lee: The Titans were banged up before the season started, but they found a way to get a win on the road against Sandpoint. Post Falls got a win at Sandpoint two weeks ago before being roughed up by Mead. This should be a tug of war, but the Trojans will bounce back. PF 19-14.

Adams: Based on common opponent Sandpoint, you have to give the nod to Post Falls after a convincing season-opening win over the Bulldogs. The Trojans were rolled up pretty good by Mead last week, but now get to return home against rebuilding U-Hi. PF 21-17.

Sandpoint vs. Mt. Spokane, Friday, Albi, 5:30

Lee: The Bulldogs will have more losses than wins come October, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a good team. They’re experiencing some growing pains. And the same can be said about the Wildcats. Mt. Spokane needs a win or two before it hits a difficult middle of the season stretch. The good sign last week is the Wildcats played decent defense. The bad sign was getting shut out. They’ll have to rely on defense again Friday. Mt. Spokane 14-13.

Adams: Mt. Spokane was one of the many GSL teams to get their teeth kicked in last week. After being shut out by Peninsula, the Wildcats should get on the scoreboard more than a few times against struggling Sandpoint. Mt. Spokane 28-21.

Skyline at Gonzaga Prep, Friday, 7

Lee: Both teams discovered they lost much to graduation last week. G-Prep had difficulties offensively and Skyline had a mixture of problems offensively and defensively in a 38-21 loss at Richland. The three touchdowns the Bullpups allowed came against their secondary – arguably their defensive strength coming into the season. Yes this pits the 2015 State 4A finalists, but in name only. G-Prep must hope its defense stiffens while it waits for the offense to arrive. G-Prep 21-14.

Adams: Give the Bullpups credit. They don’t back down from a challenge. One week after playing two-time 3A state champ Eastside Catholic, G-Prep locks horns with perennial power Skyline. Last week might just be what the ‘Pups needed as motivation during this arduous nonconference slate. G-Prep 22-20.