We didn’t have any differences last week and, as it turned out, there are none this week.
I’m the one with a two-game lead so if Sam Adams wants to cut into my lead he will have to be the one to pick an upset or two before we conclude this fall.
We went 4-2 last week. That puts me at 30-12 and Adams at 28-14.
Both of us were tempted to pick Lake City to beat Coeur d’Alene, but both of us picked the Vikings out of respect. Until the champ is beaten you stay with the champ.
And we’d love to see a rematch. It’s possible but that’s down the road a bit.
All games are Friday at 7 unless otherwise noted.
University vs. Mead, tonight, Albi, 7:15
Lee: While both teams are out of the hunt for a postseason berth, there’s still much to play for. For Mead it can finish with a .500 record by winning its final three including the nonleague crossover in Week 10. The Titans have a chance to finish with a winning record. And looking ahead to next year, both teams have a solid nucleus of returners. So it’s important to finish strong. I’ve said this several times this fall – Mead has a solid defense with speedy and athletic players. Defense will be the difference. Mead 23, U-Hi 21.
Adams: No team has had a tougher schedule in the GSL than Mead. Things get a little easier – but by no means easy – with games against University and Lewis and Clark to end the regular season. This is a great opportunity for the Panthers to get back in the win column and I think they’ll seize it. Mead 21, U-Hi 14.
Freeman at Lakeside
Lee: In games involving four common opponents, the Freeman and Lakeside offenses have been predictably prolific and their defenses have been equally stifling. I expect Freeman to win, but the Eagles won’t make it easy on the Scotties. This should be closer than people expect. It should be a slugfest. Freeman 29, Lakeside 23.
Adams: The Scotties responded well after their first loss. Now they have another tough challenge in front of them on the road at Nine Mile Falls. It won’t be easy, but I think Markus Goldbach and the running game should help keep the Eagles’ offense off the field. Freeman 31, Lakeside 24.
Colville at Deer Park
Lee: Both teams want to ground and pound. They’ve also done some pounding on four common league opponents. Colville has three shutouts and the Stags one in games involving the four league foes. Perhaps the most telling common opponent, though, is Cheney. Colville defeated Cheney 12-10 and Deer Park lost to Cheney 14-0. Colton Vining and company will hog the ball in what should be a defensive tug of war. Colville 24, Deer Park 7.
Adams: Colville has established itself as the team to beat in the Northeast A League after its convincing win over defending state champ Freeman. Colville has now outscored its last four opponents 191-7. I don’t see another blow out but I do see a win. Colville 20, Lakeside 16.
Colfax at Reardan
Lee: Something became very clear in the Reardan vs. Lind-Ritzville/Sprague game. Reardan is at the least the second-best team in the Northeast 2B. The Indians would love a rematch to prove they are the best, and they will get one in the playoffs. Davenport shocked most of us with the big win over Colfax last week. It shows that Colfax has a lot of work to do. Reardan will be out to protect its postseason seed. Reardan 29, Colfax 6.
Adams: The Indians hung tough with powerhouse LRS, falling a point short against the reigning 2B state champs. Now they have to get back on the horse against another team coming off its first loss. Reardan will continue to ride the legs of Dan Peone, who had a 76-yard touchdown run against the Broncos. Reardan 26, Colfax 16.
Gonzaga Prep vs. Lewis and Clark, Albi, 7:30
Lee: I picked the Bullpups to win the 4A league at the start of the season and there’s no indication they won’t at this point. G-Prep is getting better on offense and defense. And that’s a good sign with two weeks left in the regular season. LC also has improved. The Tigers’ strength has been defense. G-Prep has too many weapons, though, for the Tigers to slow down. G-Prep 28, LC 14.
Adams: While I’m not necessarily surprised by the Bullpups’ 6-1 start I am impressed with their defense. The Bullpups have held opponents to two touchdowns or less three times and have boasted a relentless pass rush anchored by Evan Weaver. G-Prep 35, LC 21.
Ferris at Central Valley
Lee: There are four common opponents you can use to evaluate this matchup, but I think three are particularly telling and equally confusing. CV beat Mead 3014; beat Lewis and Clark 20-19; and lost to Shadle Park 47-33. Ferris beat Mead 16-7; lost to LC on a last-second field goal 24-22; and beat Shadle 43-34. Ferris must relay on defense to win. And CV must score points. Confused? So am I. What does it all mean? Probably nothing. Ferris 20, CV 14.
Adams: Does Ferris have its groove back? Consecutive wins against Shadle and Mead would suggest so. I could go on and on about the Saxons offense but it’s the secondary that will have to step up against the pass-happy Bears. Whether or not Jalen Hicks rushes for 300 yards, Ferris will pull off an important win at a rocking CVHS. Ferris 28, CV 17.
