Vikings have own issues to worry about
The opponent on the schedule this week is a formidable one - the Highland Rams of Pocatello.
But these days, Coeur d'Alene is just as concerned with eliminating the penalties and turnovers that have plagued the Vikings (1-2) in their first three games.
Last Friday, Coeur d'Alene committed four turnovers - including two interceptions returned for touchdowns - in a 38-23 loss to Skyline of Sammamish, Wash., at home.
"If we take care of the ball, we're a good football team. If we don't we lose to teams like Skyline," Coeur d'Alene coach Shawn Amos said after Friday's game.
Coeur d'Alene plays Highland (3-0) on Saturday night at 7 p.m. PDT at Holt Arena. Highland is ranked No. 1, Coeur d'Alene No. 3, in this week's media poll.
It will be the third meeting between the two teams in the past calendar year. On Sept. 21, Highland won 45-26 at Coeur d'Alene. On Nov. 9 in Pocatello, the Vikings rallied past the Rams 45-38 in the state 5A semifinals.
Highland quarterback Tommy Jewell, diagnosed with a mild concussion in the first half last week against Twin Falls, told the Idaho State Journal in Pocatello has been cleared to play this week. Jewell's older brother, Neil, quarterbacked the Rams last year.
The game is scheduled to be webcast at IdahoSports.com.
Lake City (2-1) at Eastside Catholic (1-1): The Timberwolves take their high-scoring offense to Sammamish, Wash., to play the Crusaders, who are coached by Jeremy Thielbahr, a star running back at Sandpoint High in the mid-1990s.
Lake City has scored 41, 42 and 40 points in its first three games. Eastside Catholic reached the Washington state 3A title game last year, where it fell to national power Bellevue.
Post Falls (1-2) at East Valley (1-1): Post Falls is coming off a 46-25 victory over Sandpoint, a team East Valley beat 37-21 the week before. East Valley lost 26-16 at Lakeland last week. East Valley won 35-14 at Post Falls last year.
Lakeland (1-1) at Cheney (2-0): After giving up two touchdowns in the first quarter to Lewiston, Lakeland has allowed just 16 points over its last seven quarters. Cheney has scored 72 points in its first two games.
Colville (1-1) at Timberlake (2-0): Timberlake will be out to avenge a 24-20 loss at Colville last year. This year, Colville lost 14-7 to Freeman and beat Chewelah 42-0.
St. Maries (1-1) at Deer Park (1-1): St. Maries is coming off a bye. Deer Park beat Chewelah 31-7, then lost 21-16 last week to Riverside, a team Timberlake beat 27-14 the week before at the Kibbie Dome. Deer Park won 27-8 at St. Maries last year.
Mullan (1-2) at Kootenai (1-2): Kootenai has pretty much been the team to beat in 1A Division II in the North Star League since the 1A classification was split in 2006. The Warriors have made the playoffs every year since. Mullan's last playoff trip was in '06, when it beat Kootenai in the first round and advanced to the semifinals.
Lapwai (2-0) at Lakeside (0-2): Lapwai has wins over Lewis County (48-0) and Potlatch (42-14).