Big game before the big game

Their big BIG game is next week, at home vs. Coeur d'Alene.

But the Lake City Timberwolves (4-2) are looking at tonight's opponent at home, Chiawana of Pasco, Wash., as a pretty big game before that big game.

Chiawana (6-0) is ranked third this week in 4A, Washington's largest classification (Skyline of Sammamish, Wash., which won at Coeur d'Alene earlier this season, is ranked No. 2. Graham-Kapowsin, which won at Post Falls in the opener, is No. 4).

"Like I told our kids, this may be the best team you've seen all year," Lake City coach Van Troxel said. "But I'm not sure we may not be the best team they've seen."

Chiawana beat Lake City 22-16 last year in Pasco.

"They came back and beat us there last year," said Troxel, who said both teams return most of their key players from that game. "We have something to prove."

One standout for Chiawana is defensive back/wide receiver Deion Singleton, a transfer from Godby High in Florida, who is receiving recruiting interest from big Division I schools nationwide. Troxel said he likes having a tough game before the showdown with the Vikings.

see FOOTBALL, B4

"I think it's important we go out and play quality competition," he said. "I think it's an advantage."

Skyline (2-5) at Coeur d'Alene (3-3): The Vikings, ranked third in 5A and coming off a bye, take on the Grizzlies from Idaho Falls, who are coming off a 61-14 beatdown at the hands of top-ranked Highland of Pocatello last week. Highland edged Coeur d'Alene 24-21 four weeks ago in Pocatello. Skyline has lost four straight games.

Richland (5-1) at Post Falls (4-3): The only opponent Richland has played that Post Falls would have any measuring stick of is Lewiston. Richland won 50-7 at Lewiston, but the Bengals were starting a backup quarterback, and had troubles fielding the snap from center. Post Falls lost 20-14 at Richland last year.

Timberlake (4-2) at Lakeland (2-4): Lakeland has won the last three meetings, but only by a combined 11 points. Lakeland leads the series 11-4, but over the last 10 games, it's only 6-4 Lakeland.

Prairie (5-1) at Lakeside (1-5): The Pirates, of Cottonwood, have won five straight games. A common opponent this year is Lapwai - Lakeside lost to Lapwai 48-6, Prairie defeated Lapwai 64-18. Lakeside lost 46-0 at Prairie last year.

St. Maries (2-4) at Coeur d'Alene JV: This game, at Viking Field, is a prelim to the Skyline-Coeur d'Alene game.

Kootenai (4-2) at Mullan (2-4): Kootenai beat Mullan 50-0 at home four weeks ago. A win today would move the Warriors within one victory of clinching a berth to the state 1A Division II playoffs.