Panhandle Picks with Greg Lee

Normally, this would be something to crow about. But I’m going to act as if I’ve been here before – and, for the record, I’ve been here quite often.

It took just a week for yours truly to dig out of the early-season hole. The Scribe regained the lead with a 7-for-10 effort. My guest, Timberlake athletic director Tim Cronnelly, had the worst week of the season, stumbling in with just four correct picks. The scoreboard reads: Lee 31-16 (.660), Guests 30-17 (.638).

My guest for the final week of September is Chris Chatburn of Sandpoint, the voice of the Sandpoint Bulldogs. Chatburn, 41, has worked in radio (KSPT 1400-AM) since 1987 and has had two stints as the broadcaster of Bulldogs athletics. He returned last season after a seven-year absence.

Sandpoint at Lewiston: The Bulldogs have dominated Lewiston with speed and athleticism the last two times the teams have played (2001 and last year). The Bengals have better-than-average speed themselves this season, and have a talented backfield duo in Brooks Reynolds and Noah McKay.

Lewiston must play the defense that has allowed just 20 points in the past two games.

The Bengals’ offense can give the defense a huge assist by using ball-control drives to keep Sandpoint off the field. Lewiston will use home-field advantage to pull out a down-to-the-wire finish. Lewiston 21, Sandpoint 17.

Guest: The Bulldogs are picking up steam as they adjust to some new players at key positions. The roll continues in a tough win over the Bengals. Sandpoint 28, Lewiston 24.

Post Falls at Coeur d’Alene: The Vikings were embarrassed last week, and they can’t wait to take out their frustrations on the Trojans.

The Trojans fought gamely in a 35-14 loss to Lewiston last week, and will do so again against CdA.

But the Viks will pull away in the second half. CdA 35, PF 14.

Guest: The Vikings rebound from a tough loss over improving Trojans. CdA 38, PF 20.

Lakeland at Lake City: The Hawks have made big strides since their debut in the Inland Empire League a year ago.

But the difference between these two teams is stark.

LC won’t have any trouble bottling up Lakeland’s bread and butter – the running game.

The Hawks will have all sorts of trouble defending the T-Wolves’ veer option. LC 42, Lakeland 6.

Guest: The Timberwolves gear up for next week’s showdown at Sandpoint with a convincing victory. LC 35, Lakeland 13.