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

Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

I’m either a glutton for punishment or don’t know when to quit when I’m ahead.

For a second year in a row, I’ve decided to match wits with area high school athletic administrators and boosters to see who really has the expertise: the sportswriter or the guest prognosticators.

Last year, I barely beat the guests. But as a sage coach once said, “A victory is a victory is a victory.” The final scoreboard reads: Scribe 67-22 (.753), Guests 65-24 (.730).

Our first guest soothsayer is Coeur d’Alene High School athletic director Larry Schwenke. I have it on good authority that Schwenke’s nickname as a standout wide receiver in college was ‘Press’ because he received more than his fair share of ink. So Larry should feel right at home trying his luck against yours truly.

GAME OF THE WEEK

This has become one of the more entertaining season-opening games in the area for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the contest usually features two quality teams.

That element exists again this year. Post Falls went to Rathdrum last year and launched its storybook season with a big 18-13 victory over the Hawks.

Three key players involved in that game for Post Falls return: tight end/defensive end Austin Lee, running back Josh Mort and wide receiver/defensive back Brett Hollenbeck.

A lot of new faces debut at Lakeland. Returning experience prevails, but not without a tug of war: Post Falls 20, Lakeland 13.

Guest: The Battle of the Prairie has been a tremendous rivalry. The fans will be treated to some very intense hitting! Post Falls 28, Lakeland 21.

Boise at Coeur d’Alene: The Vikings will make coach Bill Anderson’s debut successful.

Boise will be steaming following a season-opening loss to defending state champion Pocatello (28-0). But the long trip north will take some zip out of the Braves’ legs.

Coeur d’Alene will overcome some typical first-game jitters and mistakes to trip Boise. Viks 17, Boise 13.

Guest: Boise has been Coeur d’Alene’s nemesis in recent years and the Braves have a game under their belt. However, the Viks are always tough at home and may have an edge in the kicking game. CdA 24, Boise 21.

Lake City at St. Maries: The Timberwolves desperately need to get their first win after going 0-9 last season.

But it won’t be this week. St. Maries, which could well capture the Intermountain League title, will enjoy knocking off the big school. St. Maries 20, LC 13.

Guest: LC 21, St. Maries 17.

OTHER PICKS Lee Schwenke Sandpoint 20, B. Ferry 12 B. Ferry 27, Sandpoint 21 Lewiston 21, Moscow 13 Lewiston 28, Moscow 14 Wallace 20, Kellogg 14 Wallace 14, Kellogg 7 Mullan 34, F. Christian 20 Mullan 28, F. Christian 14 Lakeside 42, C. Fork 18 C. Fork 21, Lakeside 14 Troy 20, Kootenai 8 Troy 14, Kootenai 7

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo