It wasn’t a perfect start, but considering the alternative – Sam Adams’ start – I’ll take it.
I went 5-1 while Adams, SWX’s sports director, went 3-3.
Adams admittedly is a slow starter. He says it’s true in most facets of his life. But he closes fast, which he did last year.
The plan is to build on my lead so Sam can’t close at all.
Pullman at Freeman, Friday, 7
Lee: This sets up as a donnybrook and perhaps the best of the six games featured here. Both teams broke out fast last week, and I don’t see either slowing down. If this is a track meet, Pullman has the edge. If it winds up being a tug of war in the trenches, the beefy Scotties have the edge. This is a playoff-caliber game. Pullman 28, Freeman 22.
Adams: The Scotties used two touchdown returns (punt and kickoff) to knock off Timberlake in their opener. But lost in that was nearly 300 yards rushing. I expect Freeman to use a couple of well-timed big plays and a consistent running game to beat the Greyhounds. Freeman 28, Pullman 21.
Lewis and Clark at Moses Lake, Friday, 7
Lee: The Tigers played well in their opener and will continue to roll. I love the combination of Jordan Summers (quarterback) and Cameron Duncan (running back). And throw in the occasional work of bruiser Adam Jacobson and LC has the makings of a team that could make a run come season’s end. LC 30, Moses Lake 14.
Adams: I made the mistake of picking against the Tigers last week. Never again! This team is the real deal. LC can run the ball effectively, but you have to respect Jordan Summers as a passer as well. He could be the deciding factor in a close game at Lions Field. LC 35, Moses Lake 28.
Eastmont vs. Mt. Spokane, tonight, Albi, 5
Lee: The Wildcats made a nice debut, playing on the road in Yakima. This team will only get better as the season moves along. Eastmont handled Rogers last week. Don’t know how much to read into that. I have to believe that Mt. Spokane is better defensively than Eastmont. The Wildcats handled Eastmont last year. It’ll be more of a struggle this time but Mt. Spokane prevails. Mt. Spokane 27, Eastmont 20.
Adams: Mt. Spokane narrowly defeated West Valley (Yakima) in its season opener and should be in for another close one in its home debut. Expect another early season win for the Wildcats to give this team some confidence before GSL play. Mt. Spokane 24, Eastmont 14.
Southridge vs. Mead, tonight, Albi, 7:30
Lee: I had a sneaking suspicion the Panthers were going to make some noise last week and I was right. Six offensive touchdowns and nearly 500 yards total offense. Shoot, it may have taken Mead six games to pile up that much last year. Mead continues to build on its momentum this week. Mead 35, Southridge 13.
Adams: Clearly I underestimated the Mead coaching staff’s ability to get their players on the same page in a rushed offseason. Benji Sonnichsen had the Panthers ready to go in a demolition of Wenatchee. I think they’ll come out hungry in his Albi debut. Mead 35, Southridge 21.
Central Valley at Lake City, Friday, 7
Lee: The Bears got in their way and didn’t finish last week against Coeur d’Alene, and the Vikings took advantage for a scintillating come-from-behind win. Lake City plays a third straight game against a highly favored opponent. CV bounces back nicely and the young Timberwolves continue to learn. CV 37, LC 20.
Adams: We have two teams desperate for a win. CV lost a last-second heartbreaker and LC is coming off a disappointing 0-2 start. I think the hangover effect will have an impact on the Bears as they travel Friday. LC 28, CV 20.
Post Falls vs. University, Friday, EWU, 7
Lee: I went against my gut last week and picked Sandpoint at home against University, and the Titans used a road grader to mow over the Bulldogs in the second half. The Titans won’t have any difficulty improving to 2-0. U-Hi 44, Post Falls 21.
Adams: U-Hi ran the ball 50 times (50!!) last week. I expect more ground and pond on the Inferno in Cheney in yet another high-scoring affair. U-Hi 35, Post Falls 21.
