The hole has gotten deeper for Sam Adams.
But the KHQ/SWX sports director has a chance to pick up some ground against yours truly this week. Or the hole could get even deeper. You know what I’m hoping for.
I’m off to a white-hot start at 20-4 overall. Adams stands at 16-8.
You have to love the smell in the air this time of the year. Yes fall is definitely in the air but we’re also now in the heart of the season when games start taking on more importance.
All games are Friday unless otherwise noted.
Mt. Spokane vs. Ferris, tonight, Albi, 7:15
Lee: This is the final tuneup before both teams begin the push toward securing postseason berths the final three weeks of the month. Mt. Spokane has talent on both sides of the line of scrimmage – more so than the Saxons. Still, this should be a tightly contested game. Mt. Spokane 25, Ferris 20.
Adams: They were the best of times; they were the worst of times. Has any team experienced more inconsistency this year than Ferris? Lewis and Clark did a good job of shutting down the Saxons running game last week – 44 yards on 27 carries. Their stunning loss to the Tigers can either be a teaching moment or the start of a downward spiral. Ferris coach Jim Sharkey and his staff will no doubt find a lot of things on tape that can be fixed, and I think Mt. Spokane will provide the perfect opportunity to get back to basics. Ferris 28, Mt. Spokane 24.
Cheney at East Valley, 7
Lee: It’s the league opener for both teams. Cheney’s two wins have come against teams that beat the Knights. EV wants to snap a three-game losing streak. So in the always wacky GNL, EV probably wins. But the Blackhawks’ defense will control things. Cheney 23, EV 13.
Adams: The Knights have struggled as of late, scoring just 32 points in their last three games. Cheney, meanwhile, has had a stout defense, allowing just 22 points in a 2-1 start. At some point, Cheney should start getting attention as a 2A contender. Defense should prevail in this one. Cheney 24, EV 10.
Moses Lake at Post Falls, 7
Lee: Post Falls wants to keep momentum rolling with a league opener against Lake City looming next week. This shapes up as an even matchup. The Trojans should win for a third straight week. Post Falls 27, Moses Lake 21.
Adams: Don’t look now but after a very shaky start the Trojans find themselves at 3-2 after convincing wins against EV and Lakeland. Post Falls might be in for its toughest challenge yet, but I’ll give the nod to playmaking QB Dalton Thompson and the Trojans. Post Falls 44, Moses Lake 35.
Hermiston at Coeur d’Alene, 7
Lee: This could be a better matchup than some suspect. Hermison (4-0) has quality wins over 3A Kamiakin and a 52-26 win over Lewiston last week. I see the Vikings bouncing back big after their loss by inches to Highland. CdA 35, Hermiston 20.
Adams: In my time at SWX I’ve never seen a CdA offense stifled the way it was against Highland. The Viks couldn’t get a rhythm going in their passing game. Their running game was at times abandoned altogether. This will be a statement game as the Viks take on a physical Hermiston team. Drew Berger is the heart and soul of the Viks and he will find a way to get everybody back into championship form. CdA 28, Hermiston 17.
Mead at Central Valley, 7
Lee: Each team has one league loss and a second defeat means they’ll have to have help to stay in the chase for a postseason berth. The Bears are playing better of late. Defense has been a consistent element for the Panthers. And defense will be key in this game. Mead 27, CV 24.
Adams: I was really impressed and surprised how the Bears were able to hang with Shadle Park last week. They had a 300-yard passer for the first time since I can remember, but they still have a strong commitment to the run. This is the portion of the season where CV starts hitting its stride, and the Bears should put together their best game yet. CV 27, Mead 17.
Gonzaga Prep vs. Shadle Park, Albi, 7:30
Lee: This should be an entertaining game from start to finish. Both teams will move the ball. G-Prep must keep the Highlanders’ explosive offense off the field. The question is will Shadle’s defense be able to slow down G-Prep’s option. G-Prep 36, Shadle 34.
Adams: Shadle manhandled Prep 42-13 last year. Now, almost exactly one year later, Prep has a chance at payback. The Bullpups had to scratch and claw their way to wins over Mead and Mt. Spokane while the Highlanders have simply outscored opponents to get victories so far. Something has to give. This very well could be the best game in the GSL this season. Shadle 35, G-Prep 28.
