Pick 6: Pinch hitter for Sam Adams

There’s no truth to the rumor that Sam Adams fled to Hawaii because he now trails yours truly by six.

Sam thought he’d have a chance to pull within four by picking Mead in the Battle of the Bell. But the Wildcats rallied from a 14-10 deficit to outscore the Panthers 20-0 in the second half to prevail 30-14.

That allowed me to increase my lead.

I went 4-2, improving to 27-9 (.750) overall. Adams, who went 3-3, is 21-15 (.583).

With Sam out of town, SWX sports anchor Lindsay Joy is pinch hitting. The picks are hers. We have no differences, so for a week Sam gets a respite in more ways than one.

Rogers vs. Shadle Park, Thursday, Albi, 4:45

Lee: Rogers has more offensive weapons. That will be the difference. Rogers 30, Shadle 20.

Joy: Both teams are hungry for a win, with Rogers entering the game on a three-game losing streak while Shadle has lost five in a row. I have this as a close one. Rogers 14, Shadle 10.

Liberty vs. Northwest Christian, Friday, Riverside, 7

Lee: . In comparative games, NWC has fared much better than the Lancers. NWC 35, Liberty 13.

Joy: With NWC performing consistently better against common opponents, I see the Crusaders coming out on top. NWC 27, Liberty 13.

Post Falls at Lewiston, Friday, 7

Lee: Lewiston has a high-powered offense that will be difficult for the Trojans to defend. Lewiston 36, PF 19.

Joy: Lewiston is sitting at 6-1, coming off its first loss of the season to a strong Coeur d’Alene team. Post Falls has dropped its last two games. I have Lewiston bouncing back and picking up the win at home. Lewiston 42, PF 28.

Cheney at West Valley, Friday, 7

Lee: The Blackhawks have made a believer out of me. The Blackhawks will improve to 7-0. Cheney 32, WV 14.

Joy: The Eagles lost to Colville earlier in the season, while Cheney beat the Indians easily 28-0. It was one of a few blowout wins on the season for the Blackhawks. I don’t see this one being a shutout, but I think Cheney stays undefeated. Cheney 35, WV 14.

University vs. Lewis and Clark, Friday, Albi, 7:30

Lee: The Titans have much to prove after Gonzaga Prep worked them over last week. U-Hi will bounce back after first loss. U-Hi 30, LC 14.

Joy: U-Hi had its perfect record snapped last week, so the Titans are coming in looking to bounce back. I think in the end the Titans have proven they’re the stronger team. U-Hi 27, LC 24.

Gonzaga Prep at Central Valley, Friday, 7

Lee: G-Prep has a better offense and better defense. And if that wasn’t enough for me, consider one common opponent. G-Prep defeated Mead 30-7. CV defeated Mead 17-14. G-Prep 24, CV 10.

Joy: For the second week in a row, the Bullpups are playing in arguably the biggest game on the schedule.CV will be at home, but I don’t see that being enough to help it hand G-Prep its first loss of the season. G-Prep 35, CV 20.