Panhandle Picks with Greg Lee
For just the second time in the 13-year history of Panhandle Picks, I’ve lost the season battle. Yes, with one week left, I’m conceding.
Former Lewiston High and University of Idaho football standout Brad Rice put the nail in the proverbial casket last week. Rice had a perfect week, picking all eight games correctly. I went 6-2 – although I came close, as did Lakeland, on my upset special.
For the record, the guests are 64-21 (.753) and the Scribe is 62-23 (.729).
It’s on to my traditional season-ending guest, co-worker Jim Meehan. The next couple of sentences are generally reserved for pokes at my redheaded buddy. In fact, last week I made a disparaging remark, writing that Jim’s a distant relative of Ron Fairly. I lied. I was being mean. I have to come clean. He’s the best Vandals/Seahawks writer on our staff. He’s top drawer. And his blog is one of the best around. The bottom line – he’s my hero.
Lewiston at Lake City (tiebreaker): If you go back each of the last nine years that the T-Wolves have qualified for the state playoffs, this is a week LC has typically played well. The Bengals are healthier than they’ve been all season. It won’t make a difference. LC 48, Lewiston 20.
Guest: Van Troxel can coach football. His boys, Chad and Matt, were excellent players at LC. His daughter, Ashley, is a fine soccer player. Heck, he probably has the best-looking lawn on the block, too. The school might want to consider clearing some space in the trophy display case. LC 45, Lewiston 13.
Coeur d’Alene at Post Falls: Four weeks ago, the Trojans were excited about October. Four straight losses and PF is looking forward to 2007.
Nothing would launch PF into 2007 better than a big upset. The problem is the Vikings are approaching this game as a playoff opener as they prepare for a rematch with LC. CdA 48, PF 14.
Guest: I did some research because I was under the impression Shea Vucinich averages about 52 yards per completion. It was only 31 yards against Lewiston and 17.9 for the season. The Vikings set up a highly anticipated rematch with LC. CdA 41, PF 21.
Lakeland at Moscow: It’s a meaningless game considering it’s a season finale for both teams. But it’s far from inconsequential to Lakeland. LL 35, Moscow 14.
Guest: The Hawks figure to be rather irritated after a couple of heartbreakers the last two weeks. LL 38, Moscow 14.