Close contest expected between rivals

Coeur d’Alene High football coach Shawn Amos didn’t duck the question.

He admits his Vikings haven’t played like he thought they would this season. But he likes what he’s seen lately.

“We had pretty high expectations coming in,” Amos said. “I think we’re closer.”

We’ll find out if CdA (3-4 overall, 0-1 league) has closed the gap when it plays host to Lake City (3-4, 1-0) in a 5A Inland Empire League game Friday.

Lewiston (7-0, 2-0) clinched a playoff berth last week. LC can secure a berth this week and eliminate CdA and Post Falls (2-5, 0-2).

“On Friday you’ll see two pretty darn good 3-4 teams,” Amos said. “Both teams feel battle-tested.”

Both coaches expect a tightly contested game.

“Both teams have had up-and-down years, and both teams have played very well at times,” LC coach Van Troxel said.

CdA’s strength is defense while LC’s strength is offense. That’s a nice way of saying that the Vikings have been inconsistent on offense and the Timberwolves have had difficulty defending their shadows.

The Vikings’ most consistent offensive weapon has been senior quarterback J.J. Turbin.

LC has had offensive contributions from upward of seven players. But the most consistent element has been senior quarterback Adam Fenenbock, the runaway newcomer of the year if not an offensive player of the year candidate.

Which team will win? Check below.

State soccer

The Bonners Ferry boys (12-4-3) are seeking a repeat title in 3A while Sandpoint’s boys (17-1) would like to return to their familiar perch atop 4A.

The 5A, 4A, 3A state tournaments begin today at multiple sites near Boise.

No matter the outcome, Sandpoint coach Randy Thoreson said the fun returned this season after the Bulldogs’ streak of state tourney appearances was snapped at nine last year.

“It’s been probably one of the most enjoyable seasons I’ve had in a long time,” Thoreson said. “The chemistry and the attitude of the kids have been wonderful.”

Sandpoint has allowed just six goals.

Unlike previous years, Sandpoint won’t go to state as the favorite. Defending champ Bonneville returns and Skyview (19-0) and Jerome (17-0-1) are undefeated.

“Skyview is the real deal,” Thoreson said. “My prediction is we’ll see Skyview in the finals. There’s only one reason to go to state and that’s to win it all. These kids will leave it all on the field and that’s all I can ask.”

This is the ninth time in 10 years under coach Wayne Wilkerson that Bonners Ferry has qualified for state. Although a good core returned from the title team, Wilkerson said this is a different team.

“Last year our defense was flat out amazing,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson won’t go so far as Thoreson and say his team will play for a state title. But he’s confident they will fare well.

“At the very least we can bring home a trophy,” he said.

Panhandle Picks

I had my best week of the season, going 8-1. That boosts me over the .600 mark (46-27, .630).

Lake City at Coeur d’Alene: This could be a scoring fest. Whoever has the ball last probably will win.

LC’s defense has more holes than defensive coordinator Russ Blank has fingers to plug them with. LC has the best offense and it will be the difference. LC 33, CdA 27.

Moscow at Sandpoint: The Bears ran away from Lakeland last week and they could clinch the 4A state playoff berth with a win Friday.

The difference here, though, will be strength of schedule and the arm of quarterback Jake Semones. Sandpoint 36, Moscow 27.

•Other games: Post Falls 40, Lakeland 13; Capital 28, Lewiston 21; Timberlake 28, Kellogg 13; Priest River 30, St. Maries 13; Orofino 42, Bonners Ferry 12; Kootenai 54, Clark Fork 6; Wallace 32, Mullan 18.