Pick 6
Sam Adams is back in the game.
He was never really out of it, but he kept playing defense. I ignorantly went on the offense and paid the price. Now Sam and I are tied at 44-16 (.733). Sam was 5-1 last week and I slumped in at 3-3.
The play-in games are over and the stakes get much higher this week.
(The first three games listed are on Friday, the last three on Saturday.)
Lake City at Mountain View, 6
Lee: LC’s weapons need to get loose a couple of times to give the defense some wiggle room. LC 30, MV 27.
Adams: The T-Wolves get a much easier draw this time around, although it will come on the road. LC 41, MV 35.
Freeman at Zillah, 6
Lee: The playoff bracket sets up for what we all want to see – a semifinal showdown, most likely at Albi Stadium, between Freeman and Colville. Freeman 36, Zillah 21.
Adams: The Scotties have to scratch and claw their way back to the top of the mountain. It starts Friday. Freeman 21, Zillah 13.
La Salle at Colville, 7
Lee: The Indians earned a home playoff game and they should flourish behind Colton Vining and teammates. And don’t forget what is probably the best asset on this team – defense. Colville 39, La Salle 13.
Adams: Colton Vining is the real deal and could easily rack up 200 yards on the ground. Colville 28, La Salle 14.
Todd Beamer at G-Prep, 1
Lee: Expect the Bullpups to use the speed option element and less of the up-the-gut attack. G-Prep’s defense is poised to cause problems, too. G-Prep 38, Todd Beamer 13.
Adams: The Bullpups’ stellar defense has regressed a bit in each of the last two weeks. I don’t picture G-Prep as the type of team that relishes a high-scoring shootout. Luckily for G-Prep, the draw is favorable to open the 4A playoffs. G-Prep 35, Todd Beamer 21.
Auburn Mountainview vs. Shadle, Albi, 1
Lee: It’s doubtful the Lions have faced an NCAA Division I caliber quarterback like Brett Rypien. Shadle 41, AM 33.
Adams: It’s been an up-and-down season for the Highlanders. They can ill afford any bumps as they are in must-win mode from here on out. There’s no question the Shadle offense will be there, but will the defense step up this week? Probably just enough, as has been the case most of the season. Shadle 28, AM 21.
Wilson vs. Mt. Spokane, Albi, 4
Lee: I like the way the Wildcats have been playing the last month, led by quarterback Matt Pulliam, and Mt. Spokane’s defense is outstanding. Mt. Spokane 24, Wilson 14.
Adams: The Wildcats may have to pass more than they would prefer, but Matt Pulliam and his receivers should be up to the task. Mt. Spokane 28, Wilson 17.