Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

With two weeks left in the regular season, we can project a possible winner.

I’m not declaring victory. I’m not asking that rotund person to sing (how’s that for being politically correct?). I’m not even asking a high school band to play that overused tune, “Nah, nah, nah, nah … nah, nah, nah, nah … hey, hey, heyyyy, goodbye!”

Barring a brain cramp, yours truly is thisclose to victory.

I doubled my lead last week by picking 10 of 12 games. That pushes my season total to 57-21 (.731). My guest, Priest River High athletic director and baseball coach Lou Musso, picked 8 of 12. The guests are 53-25 (.679) for the season.

Sandpoint High volleyball coach Jeff Hurst is my final guest before my traditional season-ending showdown with teammate Jim Meehan.

Hurst is a 1990 Ohio State graduate. He started on the Buckeyes’ men’s volleyball team that twice played in the NCAA Final Four (1986-87). He went on to play pro beach volleyball for six years.

In his eight years as head coach, Sandpoint has captured three state titles, including a crown last year.

Hurst and his wife of seven years, Holly, are parents of an 8-month-old daughter - perhaps a future Bulldogs volleyball standout!

Coeur d’Alene at Sandpoint: I said it three weeks ago, and it’s still my final answer. The Vikings will beat the Bulldogs.

So, Sandpoint, there’s your bulletin board fodder. I’m sure the fire is already lit under the Bulldogs, though.

The fact a state playoff berth is on the line for the winner - a first-round playoff game at home if Sandpoint prevails and the season will be over for the loser - is more than enough motivation.

Coeur d’Alene learned a difficult lesson against Lake City. The Vikings found out what can happen when they don’t finish the job.

I’m impressed with how CdA has rebounded. The Viks posted a resounding victory over Clarkston (47-14) and pulled away in the second half to a 35-13 victory over Cheney.

No team has stopped speedy CdA running back Paul Ziegler. The Bulldogs are familiar with dominating runners. They had one a few years ago in Jeremy Thielbahr.

Throw in the fact that the Viks have proved they can pass when necessary, and I don’t see how the Bulldogs can stop the Norsemen.

The home-field advantage will be much more palatable for Sandpoint than when Cheney upset the ‘Dogs at Memorial Field 23-21 last month. But it won’t be enough. CdA 28, Sandpoint 21.

Guest: I think that Sandpoint will be playing with a great deal of passion and desire to win the state berth. The Bulldogs have had a tremendous amount of success this year and with a packed Memorial Field, they will be tough to beat. Sandpoint 24, CdA 21.

Post Falls at Lake City: For the Trojans, the road down Misery Lane began two weeks ago with a 36-7 loss at Cheney. Last week at Sandpoint, the final damage was 63-7.

Friday, it’s LC. The following week is CdA. Ouch.

LC wraps up a state playoff berth and will be rooting for CdA over Sandpoint because a Viks win gives the T-Wolves the top seed and a first-round game at home. LC 42, PF 7.

Guest: It appears LC has all the direction it needs with the ability backed by heart and execution. The keys to winning in any sport are the dream and the vision to accomplish more, and it seems that LC has all that. The only thing that could stop the Timberwolves is their own lack of desire and feeling as if they already have it in the bag. LC 35, PF 10.

Lakeland at Timberlake: At some point, this will be a real rivalry. But not yet.

The Hawks put it on cruise control and secure the league’s top seed to the state playoffs. Lakeland 35, Timberlake 7.

Guest: Lakeland seems to have it all together. It would be a surprise victory for Timberlake with its lack of size and experience. But never discount the heart of a warrior. If enough young men show up with arms locked as if a team of gladiators entering the Coliseum, fans could be in for a battle. Lakeland 28, Timberlake 14.

Other games

Lee Hurst

Cheney 21, Clarkston 14 Cheney 35, Clarkston 14

Moscow 28, W. Valley 21 Moscow 21, W. Valley 18

P.River 21, B.Ferry 14 B.Ferry 28, P.River 14

St. Maries 20, Kellogg 18 St. Maries 17, Kellogg 14

Lewiston 35, Meridian 14 Lewiston 42, Meridian 28

F.Christian 26, C.Fork 24 C.Fork 32, F.Christian 14

Mullan 48, Kootenai 12 Mullan 28, Kootenai 10

T.Line 32, Lakeside 24 T.Line 24, Lakeside 21

Wallace 20, Lapwai 6 Wallace 14, Lapwai 10