Gridiron Guesses Sept. 18, 2020: This week's biggest foe — the AQI
By MARK NELKE
and JASON ELLIOTT
Sports writer
We normally don't advocate gambling — particularly on high school events.
But in this case, we feel obligated to share the over/under on tonight's local high school football games.
150.
If the air quality index is above that number, it is generally advised that teams don't play/practice outdoors.
Anything under that number — though the air might still be a bit dicey — teams are generally good to go.
As of Thursday afternoon, the AQI number in the Coeur d'Alene reporting area was 165 — and dropping.
Four football games are on the local sports schedule for tonight, though one of them — Lewiston vs. Lakeland — has already been moved indoors, to the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, with kickoff remaining at 7 p.m. The game was originally scheduled for Corbit Field in Rathdrum.
Lewiston has already traveled for its first three games of the season — to Kuna and Lake City, and last week to Post Falls in a game moved from Lewiston due to, you guessed it, poor air quality.
With tonight's game moved to the Kibbie Dome, IdahoSports.com said it will webcast the Lakeland-Lewiston game as the second game of a doubleheader. Kendrick and Troy are slated to kick off at 4 in the Dome.
Tonight's other scheduled games: Lake City at Post Falls in a nonleague game between 5A Inland Empire League teams, Coeur d'Alene junior varsity at Timberlake, and St. Maries opening its season at Priest River.
All are scheduled for 7 p.m.
In the event the game at Post Falls can't be played tonight or Saturday up here because of poor air quality, the teams have reserved the Kibbie Dome for Saturday at 1 p.m., just in case, Post Falls High athletic director Craig Christensen said.
Priest River will try to move its game to Saturday if tonight doesn't work out air-wise, Priest River AD Matt George said.
Coeur d'Alene's varsity has a bye this week, and is expected to send a mix of varsity backups and JV players up to Spirit Lake to take on the 3A Tigers.
Lakeside (2-1) at Kootenai was postponed, as the Warriors, who have yet to play a game, were unable to field enough players for a team for the third straight week.
As for the picks, Jason went 3-1, Mark 1-3. Jason correctly picked Post Falls to beat Lewiston and Lakeside to beat Clark Fork.
In fairness, I only picked Lewiston because the game was originally set for Bengal Field.
At least, that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
For the season, Jason is 8-5, Mark 6-7.
We'll try to do better.
HIGH SCHOOL
All games tonight at 7 p.m.
Lake City (1-2) at Post Falls (2-1)
NELKE: After last week's results, never assume a shootout, based on the previous week's results.
Post Falls, 27-26
ELLIOTT: Both teams rely on the passing game to move the ball. Could come down to the team that handles the elements the best.
Post Falls, 36-28
Lakeland (1-2) vs. Lewiston (2-1)
NELKE: This will be 4A Lakeland's third game in four weeks vs. a 5A school — and next week will be the Hawks' fourth in five weeks. Lakeland did play Lake City tough in the season opener.
Lewiston, 32-21
ELLIOTT: From what I saw of Lakeland last week, the Hawks can move the ball up and down the field. But so can Lewiston.
Lewiston, 38-28
Coeur d'Alene JV at Timberlake (0-2)
NELKE: On some "services," this game would be off the board, as it involves a non-varsity team. But what the heck. This non-varsity team is pretty good, and though the Vikings are playing a varsity, the Tigers are a young varsity.
Coeur d'Alene JV, 36-24
ELLIOTT: Could be a close game, but Coeur d'Alene pulls it out.
Coeur d'Alene JV, 38-28
St. Maries (0-0) at Priest River (0-2)
NELKE: The Lumberjacks, who due to COVID-19 concerns didn't get practicing until Aug. 31 — three weeks after everyone else did — finally open their season.
Priest River has been outscored 89-0 in its first two games.
St. Maries, 32-8
ELLIOTT: St. Maries makes up for lost time with a big win this weeekend.
St. Maries, 40-12