At some point Sam Adams is going to have to take a chance or two. Or he won’t catch me.
After three weeks of not having any differences, though, I decided to take it upon myself. There’s no reason I have to go out on a limb, not with a lead.
But it’s time to shake things up even if it means Adams will gain ground. I’m going on the offensive.
Going into the postseason, the scoreboard reads: Lee 41-13, Adams 39-15.
All the games are Friday.
Capital at Lake City, 7
Lee: Lake City should take care of business at home. The Timberwolves have used the time off to get healthy. Capital has the long trip from Boise, and typically it’s difficult for teams making such long trips to get off the bus and be sharp immediately. LC needs to take advantage. The T-Wolves have many offensive weapons and a defense that has gotten progressively better. LC 42, Capital 28.
Adams: The Timberwolves may come out a little choppy in their first playoff foray, but nothing that good old fashioned talent and game planning can’t overcome. LC 31, Capital 28.
Coeur d’Alene at Rocky Mountain, 6
Lee: LC beat Rocky Mountain in Meridian 39-37 on a last-second field goal in the season opener for both teams. Word from Boise is the Grizzlies have improved mightily since the opener. CdA returned to the level most expected this season in its 55-33 playoff win over Meridian last week. With an eye on a rematch with Highland next week in the semifinals, CdA will prevail. CdA 40, RM 32.
Adams: The Vikings were able to open up their offense in last week’s playoff opener, but it’s going to take some defensive stands to make it out of this round. CdA 21, RM 14.
Shadle Park vs. Kamiakin at Lampson Stadium, 6
Lee: The Highlanders have been bumbling along the last four weeks since beating Gonzaga Prep 25-13 a month ago. Shadle is ripe to be knocked out of the postseason early. And Kamiakin, which was beaten silly when these two teams met in the quarterfinals last year, has a running game that will give the Highlanders fits. Kamiakin defensive coordinator Tim Mahar will dial up a plan with a second shot at Brett Rypien and company. Kamiakin 32, Shadle Park 27.
Adams: It’s gut check time for the Highlanders after getting goose-egged in the second half against Mt. Spokane. Shadle will play with a sense of urgency and get the offense back on track. Shadle Park 34, Kamiakin 21.
Kennewick vs. Mt. Spokane at Albi, 5:30
Lee: The Lions have improved but there’s a gulf of difference between them and Kamiakin, the top seed. The Wildcats will rely on what’s gotten them to the postseason – defense. And they should be able to avoid the slow starts that have been habit of late. Mt. Spokane 35, Kennewick 14.
Adams: These Wildcats continue to surprise me. They have a smart, speedy defense. They play ball control offense with the potential for the big play. Mt. Spokane 28, Kennewick 17.
Lewis and Clark vs. Chiawana at Edgar Brown Stadium, 6
Lee: I’m stepping out on a big limb here. Chiawana has run roughshod over the Mid-Columbia Conference, riding the big shoulders of running back Austin Urlacher, who has gained more than 1,700 yards. But other than Urlacher I don’t see anybody that will give the Tigers problems. I’m also wondering if Chiawana has been tested as the Tigers were in the ultra-competitive GSL. Backup sophomore quarterback Cameron Duncan will start again with Jordan Summers lost for the season. He’s fine and knows to hand off to his brother, Taylor Duncan. LC’s defense must play well. LC 21, Chiawana 20.
Adams: The Riverhawks were in championship form in last week’s 83-7 win over Pasco. This will be a great challenge for the young Tigers, but taming Chiawana might be too tall of an order even for these guys. Chiawana 21, LC 13.
Walla Walla at Gonzaga Prep, 6
Lee: This is a matchup of postseason experience against no postseason experience. The Bullpups have much postseason experience, and they’re riding much momentum, too. The Bullpups’ defense will carry the night. G-Prep 36, WW 20.
Adams: I would understand if the Bullpups came out a bit gassed after a quadruple-overtime thriller against Ferris, but the playoffs are far less forgiving. G-Prep needs to come out sharp in its playoff opener, and I think it will. G-Prep 28, WW 21.
