Pick 6: Sam Adams tries to cut into Greg Lee’s sizable lead

Oct. 28, 2015 Updated Wed., Oct. 28, 2015 at 4:55 p.m.

I had my worst week of the season at 3-3.

My saving grace was Sam Adams had the same outcome.

Mead, Lakeside and Clarkston showed us.

We feature arguably what could be the six most competitive games in one week. As many as five could go either way.

Yours truly is 35-13 (.729) and Sam is 29-19 (.604).

Colville at Lakeside, Friday, 7

Lee: These two teams are headed to the state playoffs and the only thing to decide is the league championship. It’s appropriate that the league’s last two unbeaten teams are playing for the title Friday. The defending state champion Indians may not be the same team as last year but they’re in the same conversation. Lakeside is looking for its first league title since 2007. Air Lakeside against the pound-and-ground Indians. Actually, Lakeside is more balanced than some might think. And the Eagles’ defense is solid. The Eagles have made believers out of me. Lakeside 33, Colville 20.

Adams: Colville has been there, done that as far as the postseason is concerned, while Lakeside is a relative new kid on the block. The Eagles showed their offensive might in last Friday’s win against Freeman, setting up this colossal matchup for the Northeast A League crown. Can a great offense overcome a great defense? In this case, I believe so. Lakeside 35, Colville 21.

West Valley at Clarkston, Friday, 7

Lee: When you’re picking GNL games, having a 50-50 chance is as good as you can hope for. Not even Vegas would put odds on GNL games. Seriously. I’ve noticed something odd the last two weeks – victories by road teams. East Valley did it over Clarkston and the Bantams did it last week over Cheney. The winner advances to the postseason. I don’t see the Bantams stubbing their toes twice at home. Clarkston 30, West Valley 26.

Adams: The Bantams overcame a 10-0 hole to take a three-point lead at previously unbeaten Cheney last Friday. Then they erupted in a convincing win against the Blackhawks. Clarkston will keep it going to muddy the waters even more in the always murky GNL. Clarkston 21, West Valley 14.

Cheney at Pullman, Friday, 7

Lee: I was on the Pullman bandwagon early. But the Greyhounds lost to WV, Clarkston and EV in that order. I was stunned by Cheney’s loss at home to Clarkston last week. But the Blackhawks will bounce back Friday, earning a postseason berth. Cheney 35, Pullman 28.

Adams: The Blackhawks were flat out embarrassed on Senior Night by Clarkston. Cheney is going to bounce back in a pivotal road game in Pullman to keep its GNL title hopes alive. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ty Graham toted the ball at least 30 times. Cheney 28, Pullman 20.

University at Central Valley, Friday, 7

Lee: CV has the second best defense in the GSL. The Bears face a postseason-caliber team in the Titans, who self-destructed in many ways last week when their postseason hopes were dashed. So this could go one of two ways for U-Hi. The Titans can decide to take their frustrations out on CV and send the Bears into the postseason on a loss. Or the Titans come out flat, knowing their season is over. CV’s defense has overshadowed an offense that has been alternately cold and hot. I don’t expect the Titans to phone things in and I expect CV to use this as a postseason tuneup. CV 24, U-Hi 21.

Adams: In typical fashion, the Bears are playing some very strong football late in the season. They are assured the second seed. But the fact that U-Hi knows that its season is effectively over only helps the Titans. I expect a very motivated group of young men to stun their arch rivals before the start of the playoffs. U-Hi 28, CV 27.

Lewis and Clark vs. Mead, Friday, Albi, 5

Lee: After eight weeks, I think I can safely say that Mead has the better offense and LC has the better defense. The Tigers will move the ball and will score, but they need to play ball control and keep Mead’s offense on the sideline. That would serve the Tigers well. Mead has surprised me over and over this season. I picked LC to finish third. But Mead will likely surprise one more week. Mead 24, LC 21.

Adams: What a way to end the GSL season. Two teams fighting for the final 4A postseason spot. No strange tiebreakers or three-way coin flips … just two teams leaving it all out on the field at Joe Albi to go for chance to move on. The Tigers dug themselves into a hole they just couldn’t dig out of when Sam Lockett took the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Gonzaga Prep’s 34-7 win over LC last week. LC can’t afford mental lapses with so much on the line. LC 24, Mead 21.

Rogers vs. North Central, Friday, Albi, 7:30

Lee: The GSL was established in 1976. Not once – not once – have the Pirates played in the postseason. That drought ends Friday. Now Rogers isn’t the only team with something to play for. With a win, the Indians would force a three-way tie with Shadle if Mt. Spokane takes care of business against the Highlanders. Khalil Winfrey, Cole Shafer and Eric McKay, among others, will help the Pirates write more history. Rogers 30, NC 14.

Adams: The big question at Joe Albi Stadium on Friday is how will the Pirates handle the pressure of capturing a postseason berth? Rogers will rise to the challenge, just as it has week after week. The Pirates have playmakers on offense and a blue collar defense … a dangerous combination, especially this time of year. Rogers 27, NC 18.