Panhandle picks with greg lee

I didn’t win, but at least I didn’t lose last week. Such is the nature of ties.

At this point of the season, holding my ground is in some small measure a victory.

The Scribe and guest, Prairie Falls Golf Course head pro Tim Morton, each picked eight of 10 games right. We both missed on Post Falls beating Coeur d’Alene. With four weeks remaining, the scoreboard reads: Lee 37-15 (.712), the Guests 33-19 (.635).

My guest this week is Satini Puailoa. Moments after he announced his resignation as Sandpoint’s head football coach, I asked Satini to be a guest this season. I had this week especially in mind.

Of the games Puailoa coached each year, he most enjoyed his team’s engagements with Lake City. His teams and LC coach Van Troxel’s teams shared a healthy rivalry.

“The Samoan calendar says this is the year of the Bulldog,” Puailoa quipped. “I don’t even know if there is a Samoan calendar.”

Puailoa won’t be at LC on Friday, but he has a legitimate excuse. He’ll be in Santa Barbara, Calif., where a surprise dedication is planned for his father, Satini Puailoa II. San Marcos High, where Puailoa III played for his dad and also later coached, plans to dedicate the stadium in honor of Puailoa II.

Sandpoint at Lake City: A good defense stops a good offense. The Bulldogs have perhaps the best defense in the state and the Timberwolves have one of the top offenses in the state.

As much as I like offensive fireworks, defense wins out here. Sandpoint 28, LC 14.

Guest: As much respect as I have for the T-Wolves, Sandpoint’s defense is much too strong and the offense is improving minute by minute. Sandpoint 28, LC 7.

Lakeland at Coeur d’Alene: The Hawks showed some intestinal fortitude despite falling 42-26 to Lake City last week. The Hawks must endure another four quarters of reality Friday, though. Coeur d’Alene 42, Lakeland 14.

Guest: Lakeland is finding out what it’s like to play up a division. Coeur d’Alene 35, Lakeland 14.

Timberlake at Post Falls: If there weren’t that other game in the area, this would be the game I’d watch. The Trojans can run or pass while Timberlake’s Wing T offense stays close to the ground. Post Falls 28, Timberlake 20.

Guest: I coached with (Timberlake coach) Roy Albertson this summer in the Shrine game. We actually discussed this game. Timberlake will become the power in the IML for years to come, but its worst nightmare has come to fruition. Post Falls is on a roll and they’ll be tough to handle. Post Falls 24, Timberlake 17.