Panhandle Picks with Greg Lee

I had a perfect week in the first round of state playoffs last week. The test is much more difficult as play reaches the semifinal round this weekend.

I see three of four area teams advancing to state championship games.

Lake City at Capital: The defending 5A state champs broke through with their first road playoff victory (other than games at neutral sites) last week, and I see the Timberwolves making it two straight Friday.

The T-Wolves played their best defense of the season last week and they’ll need a similar effort against the Eagles. The challenge facing LC is stopping the run. Capital’s offense has been decidedly one-dimensional this season.

LC is used to playing this far into the season. The T-Wolves will shake off the long road trip and get a chance to defend their state title. LC 27, Capital 13.

Nampa at Lakeland: The Hawks have found ways to win their two most critical games this year (Sandpoint and Kuna) despite not clicking on all cylinders.

This game should be low scoring. It could come down to a field goal, and I like the leg of Lakeland junior place-kicker John Novak. He will be the difference. LL 17, Nampa 14.

Timberlake at Fruitland: The Tigers will travel well, and I think they’ll play well – the fourth quarter last week notwithstanding.

Tigers running back/linebacker Nick Puckett is a man possessed. If it comes down to one player making the difference for Timberlake, it will be him. So I see Timberlake pulling off a big upset. TL 21, Fruitland 14.

Kootenai at Salmon River: Something about the way the Warriors didn’t finish the game last week against Clark Fork keeps popping up in my head.

The fact they haven’t been this far in the state playoffs before is a big mental hurdle to overcome. Kootenai will represent itself well, but Salmon River will prevail at home. SR 48, Kootenai 40.