Panhandle picks with greg lee
It’s a good thing this is for recreational purposes only. The former coach and the Scribe would have lost more than a couple of quarters last week if we were forced to back up our predictions with our wallets.
Retired Sandpoint football coach Satini Puailoa and Yours Truly picked the Bulldogs of Bonner County to beat Lake City soundly. Instead, the Timberwolves knocked off Sandpoint 21-9.
Overall, I picked one more correct than Satini. Which means it’s his turn to get lunch at Joel’s the next time I’m in Sandpoint. The scoreboard reads: Lee 44-16 (.733), the Guests 39-21 (.650)
My guest this week is former Lake City High quarterback Chad Troxel, who went on to play safety at the University of Idaho before graduating last spring. Chad, who is living with UI teammate Brian Lindgren in Liberty Lake, took a sales job with Kimmel sporting goods four months ago.
Lewiston at Lake City: A year ago this time, the T-Wolves were coming off a big win over Washington No. 1-ranked Kamiakin. All LC did was travel to Lewiston and post a convincing 48-13 win.
While LC’s win over Sandpoint last week may not be as eye-catching as that victory, the T-Wolves carry similar momentum into this 5A league opener. Lewiston suffered lopsided losses to Sandpoint (52-19) and Post Falls (45-27). The T-Wolves should make it three decisive defeats as the Bengals struggle to contain LC’s high-powered offense. LC 42, Lewiston 13.
Guest: Lewiston hasn’t beaten Lake City at LC since Jimmy Farris (now with the Atlanta Falcons) was playing wideout for the Bengals. It won’t start this year. LC is just finding its stride on defense to complement quarterback Ben Widmyer and the offense. Lewiston has hit a little bit of a downturn of late. LC 35, Lewiston 7.
Bonners Ferry at Timberlake: The Tigers’ rushing attack should find plenty of holes behind a sizeable line in what should be an intriguing tug of war. Timberlake 21, BF 14.
Guest: This one is crucial in the Intermountain League playoff race. Timberlake is coming off losing big to Post Falls, but will be ready to get after it against Bonners Ferry. Timberlake 28, BF 14.
Post Falls at Lakeland: The Trojans topped LC 35-19, Coeur d’Alene 22-20, Lewiston 45-27 and Timberlake 47-0. The Hawks fell 42-26 to LC, 56-14 to CdA, 49-20 to Lewiston and 38-7 to Timberlake. If my math is correct: PF 42, Lakeland 10.
Guest: Post Falls is playing as well as anyone right now. Although playing hard, Lakeland is a little outmanned. (K.C.) Billetz, (Nick) Canger and company roll again. PF 38, Lakeland 10.