Panhandle Picks

Click the tab below to see Greg Lee’s North Idaho high school football picks this week.

I couldn’t expect two perfect weeks in a row. It was back to the usual percentage as I went 7-4. I’m 39-13 overall (.750).

Lewiston at Coeur d’Alene : This is the 5A Inland Empire League opener for both teams. After what Sandpoint did to Lewiston last week – winning 36-0 at Lewiston – it’s obvious the Bengals have some problems. It’s namely in trying to defend the run. The Bulldogs ran the Bengals silly. So I expect Lewiston will get a big dose of Vikings running back Zach Keiser. Sandpoint’s ballcontrol attack kept Lewiston quarterback Justin Podrabsky off the field. Anyway, it should be a long night Friday for Lewiston . CdA 38, Lewiston 14.

Post Falls at Central Valley : Even if the Trojans were at full strength, they’d have difficulty with the Greater Spokane League-leading Bears. Considering that running back Marcus Colbert and quarterback Matt Lickfold will be held out so they’re healthy for a key league game the following week against Lewiston , Post Falls will have its hands full. CV 28, PF 7.

Lake City at Vallivue : The Falcons are 4-1 and are just two points from being undefeated. The Timberwolves are coming off a big win over Post Falls . LC will likely be flat and that will be compounded by the long trip to the Boise area. Vallivue 35, LC 13.

Raymond ( Alberta ) at Sandpoint : The visitors from Canada are ranked No. 1 in their province. Sandpoint is among the best 4A teams in Idaho . Sandpoint 30, Raymond 21.

Lakeland at Ontario ( Ore. ) : The Hawks need to play with their 4A Inland Empire League against Moscow coming up next week. Ontario 27, Lakeland 13.

Bonners Ferry at Timberlake : The Badgers came up just short at Priest River , which came up way short two weeks ago against Timberlake. Begin fitting the Tigers for the Intermountain League crown. Timberlake 42, BF 7.

Priest River at Kellogg : The Spartans stay in the chase for second place. PR 27, Kellogg 13.

St. Maries at Orofino : The Maniacs stay in the chase for second place. Orofino 30, St. Maries 13.

Kootenai at Lakeside : The No. 1-ranked Warriors had to rally to beat Lakeside in the first round of league play (50-48). Kootenai shouldn’t have any difficulties this time. Kootenai 50, Lakeside 26.

Clark Fork at Mullan : The Wampus Cats showed signs of life last week in a big win over Lakeside . The Tigers stay in the chase for the second 1A Division II playoff berth. Mullan 42, CF 32.

Wallace at Garfield-Palouse : The difference here could be numbers. Wallace has more players – and most likely more athletes – than the Vikings, who recently dropped from to eight-man football. Wallace 36, Gar-Pal 26.