Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

Would you believe we’re taking another stab at predicting high school football games because a readers survey shows this is one of our most popular features?

No? OK.

Would you believe all 20 coaches in North Idaho pleaded that we do this again?

No? OK.

Would you believe that most coaches would rather NOT read what some four-eyed scribe and armchair quarterback predict about their games?

Yes? OK.

Because that’s probably closer to the truth, we offer another installment of Panhandle Picks with yours truly.

Don’t ask about the logic leading to this conclusion.

My goal is 80-percent accuracy. And, as always, this is for recreational purposes only. No wagering allowed.

My first guest is friend and neighbor Tom Booth.

Tom has served as Coeur d’Alene High’s booster club president for nine of the last 11 years. His son, Chad, a 1991 grad, coaches the CdA offensive line.

Coeur d’Alene at Lake City: For the third time since Lake City opened 5 years ago, these teams play twice this year, with the season opener serving as the non-league game.

In my way of thinking, playing your rival twice takes some of the luster off the games. But scheduling has become a problem in recent years.

Realistically, Lake City should run roughshod over improving but still-young CdA. But after watching the jamboree last week and considering it a rivalry game, I suspect it’s going to be closer than it should.

Unless, of course, LC’s offense proves to be its best defense. LC 28, CdA 13.

Guest: All the hard work in the off-season by the coaching staff and the commitment of the young players adds up to an early upset. CdA 21, LC 17.

Caldwell at Sandpoint: The coach of the defending State A-1 Division II champ Bulldogs cautions that his team may struggle in its first four games - the toughest stretch of non-league games in recent memory.

The game will feature the top two quarterbacks in the state. Expect a shootout. We take Satini Puailoa’s word. Caldwell 30, Sandpoint 28.

Guest: Defending state champs will open the season with a home victory. Sandpoint 28, Caldwell 21.

Post Falls at Lakeland: These Rathdrum Prairie neighbors were impressive in the jamboree. Lakeland received the best reviews. Lakeland 26, Post Falls 20.

Guest: Returning talent at Lakeland combined with one of the top coaching staffs will add up to Lakeland victory. Lakeland 21, Post Falls 14.

Other games:

Lee Booth

Lewiston 27, Moscow 6 Lewiston 28, Moscow 14

Wallace 28, Kellogg 13 Wallace 28, Kellogg 7

T-Lake 20, Lakeside 12 Lakeside 14, T-Lake 7

B. Ferry 26, Libby 13 B. Ferry 28, Libby 21

C. Fork 42, Genesee 28 C. Fork 42, Genesee 14

P. River 20, Newport 14 P. River 21, Newport 14