Panhandle Picks With Greg Lee

I had my best week of the year, securing a sixth win in seven years against the guests.

I picked 11 of 12 correctly, including Coeur d’Alene’s victory over Sandpoint.

My guest, Sandpoint High volleyball coach Jeff Hurst, was 9 of 12.

With a week remaining in the regular season, yours truly is 68-22 (.755). The guests are 62-28 (.688).

I hope to add an exclamation point to my season victory as I take on my annual season-ending guest, co-worker Jim Meehan.

I’m seeking a fourth straight victory. I lead the series 3-2-1.

Lake City vs. Mead: At this point of the season, this game features the best of Spokane against the best of North Idaho for a second straight year. There are one or two Greater Spokane League teams and at least one Border League team that would beg to differ.

Both teams believe they’re better than they were a year ago when LC rallied to knock off the Panthers 42-35 in overtime.

Lake City wants a win to prepare for the state playoffs. Mead wants a win to set itself up for a key showdown against another team with LC initials (Lewis and Clark) that could decide the GSL title.

Another T-Wolves win is another measure of respect for North Idaho football. But it won’t be easy. LC 17, Mead 16.

Guest: Mead is big, physical and talented. The Panthers do two things crucial to winning: They run the ball well and stop others from doing the same. Mead takes it, unless LC quarterback Matt Stern has a huge passing day. Mead 24, LC 14.

Coeur d’Alene at Post Falls: The Trojans gave LC all it wanted before succumbing 21-6 last week. Post Falls hopes for a repeat of that effort.

The Viks will take care of business and secure a trip to defending state champ Vallivue in a playoff opener next week. CdA 42, PF 6.

Guest: Post Falls coach Jeff Choate deserves lavish praise for his team’s preparation and performance last week against Lake City. But he’ll need every X and O, and the strategic placement of a concrete wall and quicksand, to slow CdA’s Paul “Zig-Zag” Ziegler. CdA 38, PF 7.

Sandpoint at Moscow: Expect the Bears, who have won two straight, to approach this as their “Game of the Year.” An upset would make Moscow’s season. The Bulldogs will try to ease the pain of their fourth-quarter collapse against CdA last week. Sandpoint uses every ounce of pride to avoid disaster. Sandpoint 42, Moscow 14.

Guest: This is a dangerous game for the Bulldogs - on the road after their playoff hopes were all but extinguished in last week’s loss. But they’ll regroup and finish strong. Sandpoint 27, Moscow 14.

Other games

Lee Meehan

Lewiston 21, Centennial 17 Centennial 28, Lewiston 20

Lakeland 42, Kellogg 12 Lakeland 42, Kellogg 14

P. River 36, T.Lake 6 P. River 28, T.Lake 7

B. Ferry 13, St. Maries 12 B. Ferry 20, St. Maries 14

T.Line 28, Lakeside 12 T.Line 35, Lakeside 21

F. Christian 34, Deary 32 Deary 45, F. Christian 29