Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

I’m the first to admit I don’t know everything. My wife seconds that.

But when it comes to predicting high school football games, I’ll stand on my record.

I’ve defeated the guest pickers four of five seasons since starting this feature in 1994.

Yes, I’ve had a few weekly setbacks. Yes, my red-headed sidekick believes he owns me (again, I’ll stand by my record!). But I’m coming off my best season (.800, 68 of 85).

It should be better this fall.

My first guest is Jeff Bengtson, who is in his second year as a vice principal at Coeur d’Alene High.

It’s only a coincidence that Bengtson, a 1988 Lakeland grad, is my guest this week (Wink! see below).

Bengtson started two years at quarterback for the Hawks, who, coincidentally, open against CdA. After he graduated in 1988, his brother, Mark, led Lakeland to two straight state titles.

The first week offers what should be some entertaining matchups.

Lake City at Sandpoint: In a word, this opener is big.

Post Falls fans would disagree, but many folks believe this game could decide the region’s No. 1 state playoff berth.

I agree with the Post Falls faithful. This won’t decide squat. But the winner will come out smelling like a fat rat in a cheese factory.

Both teams return several veterans. Both teams introduce new quarterbacks. The T-Wolves hope to pick up where they left off last year. The Bulldogs hope to rekindle the excitement of two years ago (state title).

What would make this game even more special would be overtime. LC will take care of it in regulation. LC 26, Sandpoint 20.

Guest: Lake City had a great season last year. There is no reason it won’t continue. LC 28, Sandpoint 14.

Lakeland at Coeur d’Alene: Hawks coach Terry Kiefer says the Viks are much improved.

I agree. But not to the point of knocking off the Intermountain League power.

CdA has a talented running back in Paul Zieger. Lakeland has four.

The Viks have a game under their belts and should be improved. Lakeland will likely make some first-game mistakes.

CdA won’t be able to capitalize. LL 28, CdA 16.

Guest: How else would you expect me to pick this one. Coeur d’Alene is improved and (Mike) Bayley (Lakeland’s offensive coordinator) still uses the same signals from 10 years ago. And I will be on the CHS sideline. CdA 21, LL 20.

Post Falls at Moscow: This opener is every bit as important as LC-Sandpoint.

Especially to the Trojans, who figure to challenge for top honors among Idaho’s Border League teams.

Post Falls realizes how costly a first-game disaster would be over the long haul. Trojans prevail. PF 20, Moscow 13.

Guest: I have to stick the local team. Plus, I played against (Jeff) Choate (Post Falls coach) when he was at St. Maries. PF 22, Moscow 12.

Other games

Lee Bengtson

F. Christian 42, Mullan 40 Mullan 42, F. Christian 28

St. Maries 20, Anaconda 13 St. Maries 14, Anaconda 7

Timberlake 36, Lakeside 8 Timberlake 28, Lakeside 6

B. Ferry 19, Lethbridge 14 Lethbridge 28, B. Ferry 21

Kellogg 21, Wallace 20 Kellogg 28, Wallace 14

P. River 13, Prairie 12 P. River 35, Prairie 7