Pick 6: Another slate of close games for prep prognosticators

The overworked and underpaid preps writer and the debonair and charming TV anchor both went 5-1 last week – though a different 5-1 – so I still hold a one-game lead (30-29) heading into Week 8.

West Valley came through for me against Pullman. Colville knocked off Newport to keep Sam in it.

This week we have one difference in picks, so either I’ll have an almost insurmountable two-game lead or we’ll be in a dead heat.

As always, these predictions are for recreational purposes only. Please don’t bet on high school football.

Lewis and Clark (7-0, 3-0) vs. Mead (4-3, 2-1), Thursday at 7 p.m.

Nichols: The Tigers enter play ranked No. 7 in state 4A by the Associated Press, one of four unbeatens in those ranks, but it still seems like LC isn’t getting respect. The Tigers picked up 315 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Keani Guthmueller in a 10-point win over University and face a Mead squad that looked tough until G-Prep ran over them last week. LC 42-22.

Adams: LC overcame 99 yards in penalties last week. The Tigers can afford no such mistakes against a Mead team coming off back-to-back losses to Mt. Spokane and Gonzaga Prep. LC 31-24.

Ferris (4-3, 1-2) at Gonzaga Prep (5-2, 3-0), Friday at 7

Nichols: The Bullpups systematically destroyed Mead, going to backups in the fourth quarter. Connor Halonen remains a one-man wrecking crew with his legs and with his arm – along with secret weapon Eric Floyd, who finds a way to get wide open on the deep ball. GP 45-13.

Adams: Can we officially say Gonzaga Prep is back? The Bullpups have piled on 85 points the past two weeks, and there should be more of that against a Ferris squad that was torched for 35 second-half points last week. GP 28-14.

Central Valley (4-3, 1-2) at University (4-3, 0-3), Friday at 7

Nichols: The Bears are fighting for their playoff lives. A win – and Mead loss – will leave the pair tied for the third and final seed in 4A with a showdown between the two next Thursday at Albi. That would be fun. CV wants to be a passing team so badly, but is much more successful when it keeps the ball on the ground. CV 31-28.

Adams: In a rivalry game like this, you can throw the records out the door. That’s a good thing for CV and U-Hi, who are a combined 1-5 in GSL 4A this year. The Bears will need more than two great quarters to fend off the rival Titans. CV 35-28.

Coeur d’Alene (7-0, 2-0) at Post Falls (4-3, 2-0), Friday at 7

Nichols: The Vikings are ranked second in Idaho state 5A, receiving four of 11 first-place votes – including mine. QB Kale Edwards is starting to field college offers, including at Idaho, where his pass/run flexibility would be a welcome addition. The Trojans are good but won’t be able to keep up. CdA 45-24.

Adams: One need only point to a regular season-ending loss to Post Falls in 2015 to remind the Vikings of the importance of finishing strongly. They will. CdA 49-21.

West Valley (6-1, 2-0) at Cheney (6-1, 1-1), Friday at 7

Nichols: The Eagles are ranked fifth in 2A and pounded a good Pullman team last week, rushing for more than 400 yards. Cheney stubbed its toe in a loss to Clarkston that suddenly makes its shiny record seem dubious. WV 35-14.

Adams: Can the Eagles maintain a high level of focus on the road to clinch a league crown? Between Kobin Carver, Matthew Allen and Marshall Meleney, the Eagles have the horses to get them there. WV 30-21.

Northwest Christian (6-1, 2-0) at Chewelah (4-3, 2-0), Friday at 7

Nichols: I saw Silas Perreiah in person last week and I’m sold. He has the strength to break tackles and speed to pull away. NWC has a simple formula and executes to perfection. Chewelah is down a level this year and is big, so it’s a stern test for the Crusaders, ranked fourth in state 2B. This one decides the division. NWC 28-27.

Adams: To my knowledge, these teams have never met on the gridiron. Since their 1-3 start, the Cougars have won three by a combined 136-0. Look for the Cougs to pull off the upset and defend their home turf. Chewelah 35-31.