THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: Proceed with caution, for the time being

In North Idaho, we’re really used to things being under construction.

You know, those orange barrels and cones you see as you’re cruising along Interstate 90 between games?

Sometimes, the construction is on the field as well, and maybe not noticeable to the ordinary fan.

THE LIST of college-bound athletes coming from the Lake City girls soccer program is long.

And the conferences, from the Big 12 to the Pac-12, they’re not too shabby either.

This year, Lake City carries a 1-2-0 record into an Inland Empire League match at Coeur d’Alene this morning at 11 a.m.

“We’re finding our identity a little bit,” Lake City coach Matt Ruchti said. “But I really like our youth and the relationships we’re building.”

Lake City is replacing seven starters from last year’s team, including Georgia Whitehead and Elliotte Kortus, who are in their freshman year at Washington State.

But it wasn’t just those two Division I players that were impact players.

Olivia Azzolini signed with Division III Pacific in Forest Grove, Ore., and Delaney Moczan is now at NAIA Carroll in Helena, Mont.

“There’s an eagerness among the players because they know there’s so many spots that are open right now,” Ruchti said. “I’ve subbed more in our first two games than I have in the past 10 years.”

Lake City won state 5A titles in 2012, 2016 and 2021, all under Ruchti.

“The puzzle is there, but it doesn’t always equate to the scoreboard,” Ruchti said. “They’re young and still competing at a high level.”

In an earlier discussion about his team, Ruchti stopped short of calling this season a rebuilding one.

“These kids really work hard, but are still getting used to playing at the varsity level,” Ruchti said.

The players might not be the same this year, but the mentality sure is.

A LITTLE later today, the preseason will come to an end for the Seattle Seahawks and a handful of other teams in the NFL.

Whatever work that those teams have been doing will soon be forgotten as the regular season begins next month.

Chances, you won’t see guys like DK Metcalf, Geno Smith, Tyler Lockett or anyone else that will be starting for Seattle in the coming season.

Whether it be not wanting to risk a key player getting hurt, or giving someone else a chance to play to make a roster decision, most teams will take the chance to play guys that will likely be looking for work come Tuesday, when cuts are made.

Sure, there’s some lofty expectations on the Seahawks this year, with the return of linebacker Bobby Wagner and some depth in key positions that were a bit of a weakness last year.

Good enough to win the NFC West, like some experts think?

You might want to slow down on that for right now.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for The Press. He can be reached by telephone at 208-664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at jelliott@cdapress.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @JECdAPress.