Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

I have no choice but to be brutally honest. I stunk last week. In football language, I tried to throw a bomb for the season victory, and I passed into coverage. My attempt was picked off and returned for a touchdown.

I went from one up to two down. My guest, Sandpoint High boys basketball coach Kurt Lundblad, slam-dunked me. He picked nine of 12 games while yours truly - is there a gentle way to say this? - batted .500. It’s horrible no matter how I report it. It pains me to admit this, but I’m 0-2-1 against Inland Empire League basketball coaches. My constitutional rights allow me to keep some dignity and not identify the other coach who beat me. Here’s a hint: I’ve been asked if I’m his more handsome, mature brother.

The scoreboard reads: Lee 51 of 73 (.699), the Guests 53 of 73 (.726).

To further prove to a few people that I don’t deliberately seek easy prey in this space, my guest this week is Phil Hayes, an Idaho Spokesman-Review sports correspondent since 1992.

Hayes, a teacher by day and a part-time scribe by night, has taught 24 years, the last 19 at Post Falls Middle School. He knows sports. Better yet, he knows football. Two years ago, Hayes won the Post Falls Holiday Bowl Bonanza (for PF school district employees), picking all 25 college bowl games correctly. He won’t disclose how much was “donated” to him for fear of an IRS investigation.

“You’ve put me on the spot big time,” Hayes claims. “I teach at Post Falls, I’m a Coeur d’Alene alum and my kids went to Lake City. I can’t win (but I will)!”

Hayes’ children, Andy and Marni, were both Lake City valedictorians. They attend the University of Idaho. I suspect not all of their brilliance can be attributed to his wife.

Sandpoint at Post Falls: Even if the Trojans were at full strength, it would be difficult not to pick the Bulldogs, especially after their impressive 56-21 win over Lewiston last week.

The Bulldogs are better. Sandpoint 34, Post Falls 13.

Guest: I’ll probably have to call in sick all of next week, but here it is. Sandpoint is coming off a huge win over Lewiston and Post Falls is still banged up in a few key positions. The Bulldogs’ ground game will wear the Trojans down. Sandpoint 27, Post Falls 14.

Coeur d’Alene at Cheney: Jason Rupp played well in his debut at quarterback following the loss of starter Kyle Ahlf the week before. And CdA’s defense picked off five passes, returning two for touchdowns.

Here’s my first upset special of the year. CdA 21, Cheney 20.

Guest: As a CdA alum, it’s great to see the Viks continue to improve. But they face a stiff challenge from Cheney’s defense and a big Blackhawks offensive front. It’ll be a slugfest. Cheney gets the edge because it’s at home. Cheney 20, CdA 16.

Clarkston at Lake City: The Timberwolves continue to rebound from midseason doldrums and clinch Border League title. LC 34, Clarkston 7.

Guest: On paper, this adds up to an easy LC win. The T-Wolves have played catch-up the last two weeks and need to put together two solid halves to gear up for the postseason. And they will. LC 35, Clarkston 13.

Other games Lee Hayes Moscow 27, Colville 21 Colville 27, Moscow 21 Lakeland 51, Orofino 6 Lakeland 44, Orofino 12 Kellogg 20, P. River 7 Kellogg 21, P. River 6 Grangeville 27, B. Ferry 13 Grangeville 32, B. Ferry 14 St. Maries 26, Timberlake 20 St. Maries 28, Timberlake 24 Borah 36, Lewiston 27 Borah 35, Lewiston 28 F. Christian 42, Mullan 40 F. Christian 52, Mullan 36 Clark Fork 36, Kootenai 18 Kootenai 44, Clark Fork 22 Lapwai 22, Wallace 13 Lapwai 21, Wallace 14 Kamiah 44, Lakeside 12 Kamiah 40, Lakeside 24