THE FRONT ROW with Jason Elliott Nov. 2, 2011

There are times when I make the drive between Wallace and Coeur d'Alene when I think about what is great about sports and how much I enjoy them.

Saturday was one of those days, when after state volleyball tournaments and a triple-overtime game that left me thinking during the time on the road.

CHANCES ARE that Saturday won't be forgotten for some teams anytime soon.

The day began at the state 3A tournament, as the St. Maries Lumberjacks took on Snake River in a semifinal matchup.

St. Maries rallied to win the first game and it seemed like the Lumberjacks were destined to play for a state title later that night at Lake City High in Coeur d'Alene.

But just as quickly as those hopes grew, Snake River turned the tables and went on to sweep the final three games to send the Lumberjacks to the third-place match.

Snake River went on to win its second straight 3A title, while the Lumberjacks were unable to hold off Bear Lake in their final match of the season, losing in three games to conclude the season with a 25-10 record.

It also concluded, for now, the Lumberjacks run of state tournaments at the 3A level.

Next fall, St. Maries will drop to the 2A level and compete against teams from Grangeville, Orofino and Coeur d'Alene Charter for a shot at the state tournament.

That is, unless there's an offer on the table to jump conferences in volleyball only.

Just don't count on it.

WHEN THINKING about what could have been had USC been able to beat Stanford later on Saturday makes my stomach growl.

With six unbeaten teams, chances are that the one in the southern part of this state won't get a shot at playing for a national title.

It is true, Boise State beat a good SEC team, but neither LSU or Alabama were that team.

The good thing for BSU is that either LSU or Alabama will lose this Saturday, because they play each other.

Bad news - either Stanford or Oklahoma State will be right there to swoop in and assume the No. 2 spot in the BCS standings with only a few weeks to go.

Granted, a lot of different things could happen between now and Dec. 3, when the final weekend of the regular season unfolds.

The Broncos will wind up in one of the big four bowl games, likely the Fiesta Bowl, but will need help to end up in the championship game.

BUT THAT is what keeps sports interesting.

Sometimes those things you expect don't turn out the way you thought.

Can Boise State go unbeaten? Definitely.

Does it make things more interesting if they don't - of course.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d'Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected].