Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

For a second straight week, I missed just one game.

For a fourth straight year, I beat my teammate, Jim Meehan.

That’s about all I’ll say ‘bout that. I’m just going to act like I’ve been in the end zone before - like, say, four straight years!

Lake City’s 21-6 win over Mead and Lewiston’s impressive 21-19 upset of unbeaten and defending State A-1 Division I champ Centennial were the games that highlighted my 8-1 week.

I finished the season 76-23 (.767) while posting my sixth season victory in seven years over the guests. The guests wound up 69-30 (.696).

Now, it’s on to the playoffs. As much as I hope that rivals Coeur d’Alene and Lake City engage in a semifinal showdown next week, it’s not likely to happen.

If I’m wrong, I know which team I’d pick in the return game. But I’m not going to say prematurely. You’ll have to flop down two quarters next week to find out!

Bishop Kelly at Lake City: The T-Wolves have more weapons, more depth. And they’re playing at home.

Lake City will have to play well. It won’t be able to sleepwalk past the talented Knights.

LC’s defense will keep BK’s option in check. The Knights will have difficulty defending a Lake City offense that’s become much more diverse the second half of the season. LC 28, BK 14.

Coeur d’Alene at Vallivue: The Falcons made a believer out of me when they defeated Lake City 44-7 in the State A-1 Division II title game last year.

At Moscow. After driving all day. Impressive.

They weren’t that much better than LC, but they were more prepared mentally than the Timberwolves.

The defending champs are undefeated. They’re also playing at home. And they think they’re capable of repeating.

Vallivue’s strength is defense. It features the 1999 player of the year, Luke Carson.

The Falcons will defend speedy CdA running back Paul Ziegler better than any team has this season.

So for the Viks to win, they’ll need big games from more than Ziegler. Vallivue 21, CdA 20.

Middleton at Lakeland: The Hawks will advance to the state title game in what could be Terry Kiefer’s final run in the state playoffs as head coach.

Casey Phelps and the Hansen brothers will make sure Lakeland opens the postseason on the right foot. Lakeland 28, Middleton 14.

Priest River at Weiser: The Spartans’ first appearance in the state playoffs will be brief.

A salute, though, to Priest River’s 18 seniors - the team’s heart and soul. But it’s rare for a first-time qualifier to have success. Compounding matters is the long trip south against a traditional playoff qualifier.

Weiser isn’t as strong as recent playoff teams, but the Wolverines are at home. That will be the major factor. Weiser 21, Priest River 7.

Notus at Mullan: Two reasons why the Tigers will win - Derik Stanley and Jean Hegbloom.

In a game with plenty of offense … Mullan 56, Notus 46.

Borah at Lewiston: The Bengals simplified their hopes and their path to the state title game with a huge upset of Centennial last week.

Lewiston secured home field for the first two weeks. And with two wins, the Bengals would qualify for a state final that would be played up the road at the Kibbie Dome.

Lewiston took care of Borah in the regular season and will do so again. Lewiston 34, Borah 14.