Took a Friday away from the Greater Spokane League to watch a wild Great Northern League game in Cheney, the Blackhawks winning 39-28 featuring one of the more improbable endings to any high school game I've seen. Cheney, behind remarkable athletes DeAngelo Jones and Alex Adams scored 29 points in the game's final 9 minutes after trailing Colville 21-10 through three quarters. After taking a lead with two touchdowns 30 seconds apart and having the ball, quarterback Jones was chased back to his 3-yard-line where a 2-yard snap on a punting situation, seemed to give Colville the upper hand. But, after regaining the lead, the Indians gave up a 63-yard touchdown run to Adams, his second long burst, and lost the game.

After that respite it's back to the GSL and three weeks that will determine the league's three 4A playoff teams. Six teams are still mathematically viable, even if Lewis and Clark is on the outside looking in.

 Gonzaga Prep and Ferris (both 5-1 overall and 4-1 in league) share second place with Mt. Spokane behind Central Valley (5-1, 5-0). The Saxons and Bears play Friday at Albi Stadium, 8 p.m., the Bullpups host Mead (4-2) at 7. If Ferris and Prep win they remain in good shape.

But - Prep then travels to CV the following week. The Bears need a win somewhere - the Saxons, Bullpups or Mead - to get the third spot. If Mead can win against the Bullpups and/or out at University it would probably go down to its season finale against CV at Albi.

Still, don't rule out the Titans. With games against Lewis and Clark, Thursday at Albi and Mead before ending against Ferris, they are still very much in the playoff picture, needing two wins and help.

The Tigers, who finish with Ferris and Gonzaga Prep, must win out or else. Only CV among the other five can afford to stumble more than once.

Let the speculation begin

 

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