Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

It was an unavoidable tie.

The scribe and guest Bob Myklebust each picked 7 of 10 games played Friday. So, the tiebreaker should have been Post Falls’ homecoming date Saturday afternoon with Nampa.

I picked Post Falls to get its first win, and Myklebust took Nampa. But the game was canceled after Nampa was stranded at the fogged-in Boise airport.

That should mean that Post Falls wins by forfeit (and I win!), right?

However, we’ll just call it a tie.

Going into the midpoint of the season, the scoreboard reads: Scribe 36 of 45 (.800 exactly), Guests 34 of 45 (.756).

My guest this week is Lake City High activities secretary Marsha Hagen. And it’s apparent she has done her homework.

Hagen has worked in the Coeur d’Alene School District for 16 years, eight of which were spent as cheerleader adviser at Coeur d’Alene and LC. She’s a big booster of area sports.

“With most of the local teams at home this Friday, this is a North Idaho football lover’s dream,” Hagen said. “I’m counting on the home-field advantage and predict a lot of wins in Kootenai County.”

Sandpoint at Lake City: No game carries as much intrigue, interest or importance as this Inland Empire League showdown.

The IEL sends two of its five A-1 Division II teams to the state playoffs. It would take a major upset for Lake City or Sandpoint to be knocked out of the playoff picture.

So, this game is essentially for the top berth and probably the league championship.

LC finished 8-2 last year - its two losses coming to eventual state champ Sandpoint.

This game will be laden with emotion. This may sound simplistic, but it couldn’t be more appropriate: The team that plays the best defense will win.

Sandpoint must find a way to contain LC quarterback Chad Troxel and fleet-footed receiver Richard Novotny. LC must control Sandpoint QB Paul Nieman and running back Chad Taylor.

The game should go down to the final seconds. LC 28, Sandpoint 27.

Guest: Paul Nieman and Chad Troxel should provide some excitement Friday. I think these two seniors are the best quarterbacks in the league, and there should be some great action. Troxel has outstanding instincts, and with his receivers and strong defensive team, the T-Wolves should put this game in the win column. LC 28, Sandpoint 21.

Moscow at Coeur d’Alene: The battle of the winless. The Bears are much better than their record. The Vikings are much better than their record.

CdA should have at least one win, perhaps two. And as you look at the remaining games for both teams, this could be the last opportunity for victory.

Both teams will approach this game with urgency.

CdA has taken steps backward the past two weeks. Moscow had a bye week to address some concerns. Call it a gut feeling, but I’m picking the Bears. Moscow 20, CdA 17.

Guest: The Vikings are looking for their first win and with the home-field advantage this should be the night. Pat Goodwin, with his all-purpose ability, will shine and lead CdA to victory. CdA 21, Moscow 20.

Grangeville at Lakeland: Playing the best of the Intermountain League is a new experience for former A-3 power Grangeville.

Many believe Grangeville will be the team to finish runner-up to Lakeland. So, you could say this is for the league championship.

But it’s going to look like a one-sided dance Saturday afternoon. Grangeville discovers that Lakeland’s brand of football is better than anything its seen in a while. Lakeland 35, Grangeville 13.

Guest: Lakeland’s outstanding running back, Harrison Bertsch, will provide a lot of action. This will be a close game, but Lakeland should win. Lakeland 24, Grangeville 21.

Chewelah at Post Falls: Chewelah may be a small school, but they can play football. Just ask Bonners Ferry (34-6 loss).

We can’t compare Bonners Ferry with Post Falls. But the Trojans did lose to Chewelah last year.

This is meant as no offense to Post Falls and coach Jeff Choate’s program. He will get things turned around. But it’s another learning experience Friday. Chewelah 14, Post Falls 13.

Guest: In the past two years, Chewelah has come out on top against the Trojans. This game should end Chewelah’s streak. Post Falls has a lot of heart. Post Falls 21, Chewelah 14.

Other games:

Lee Hagen

Lewiston 40, Clarkston 6 Lewiston 48, Clarkston 0

St. Maries 40, P. River 13 St. Maries 35, P. River 0

Wallace 20, Gar-Pal 16 Wallace 21, Gar-Pal 12

C. Fork 35, F. Christian 26 C. Fork 28, F. Christian 24

Mullan 24, Kootenai 22 Kootenai 28, Mullan 14

B. Ferry 20, T-Lake 6 B. Ferry 17, T-Lake 10

Kellogg 16, Orofino 6 Kellogg 14, Orofino 7