Panhandle Picks with Greg Lee

If you’ve noticed skid marks near our Coeur d’Alene office on Northwest Boulevard, don’t be alarmed. That was yours truly finally putting a halt to a losing streak.

I picked seven out of nine, topping Lakeland baseball coach Jason Bradbury, who was five of nine. I also pulled even in the overall standings. The scoreboard reads: Lee/Guests 49-21 (.700).

It would be nice to start a streak of my own. My guest this week is first-year Coeur d’Alene principal Randy Russell, a baseball man/fan through and through. Russell got his start at the ripe young age of 23 as head coach at Whitworth College. Before arriving at CdA, he was an assistant principal for five years at North Central.

Coeur d’Alene at Lewiston (tiebreaker): The Bengals are far from what Lewiston coach Emmett Dougherty envisioned. It has nothing to do with potential not realized and everything to do with injuries. Some Bengals could return as soon as Friday.

CdA’s loss to Lake City means there’s no wiggle room left in the chase for a state playoff berth. The Vikings’ speed and sense of urgency will be too much for Lewiston to overcome. CdA 37, Lewiston 14.

Guest: The CHS players helped me pick the score for this one. Coeur d’Alene has too many weapons on offense, but special teams and defense will be the difference in this game. Vikings defensive coordinator Ron Nelson has a great game plan for slowing down the Bengals. CdA 42, Lewiston 21.

Lake City at Post Falls: The Timberwolves and Vikings may be crosstown rivals, but one would think these two teams were archrivals, too. The Trojans will need all the emotion they can muster to stay with LC. The T-Wolves’ offensive diversity and stingy defense will be too much for the Trojans to counter. LC 41, PF 14.

Guest: LC will continue its winning ways with a high-powered offense and swarming defense. LC is getting better every week and has responded to coach Van Troxel’s challenge from a week ago. LC 48, PF 14.

Bonners Ferry at Timberlake: After watching the Tigers top Lakeland, I’m convinced the defending Intermountain League champs will be dethroned. It could be a runaway for the Tigers. TL 34, BF 7.

Guest: Timberlake coach (Roy) Albertson is an excellent motivator, and his players come ready to play in “big games.” Timberlake’s momentum from the victory over Lakeland and a big game from Nick Puckett will carry the Tigers. TL 35, BF 24.