GRIDIRON GUESSES Oct. 4, 2024: It's home sweet home for Coeur d'Alene — and Lake City and Post Falls

The last time Coeur d’Alene played a football game at home, it was still August, the North Idaho State Fair was in full voice nearby, and Dan Wilson was making his debut as Mariners manager. 

Fast-forward six weeks, and the Vikings (4-1) are back at home tonight for the first time since then, taking on the Camas (Wash.) Papermakers (4-0) at 7 p.m. at Viking Field. 

“Four straight road games and almost 2,000 miles later, it’ll be nice to play a home game,” Coeur d’Alene coach Shawn Amos said.  

Since that win over Rigby at home in the opener, Coeur d’Alene beat Shadow Ridge of Las Vegas 31-7 at the Rocky Mountain Rumble in Pocatello, was upset 13-6 at Lewiston, won 35-18 at Sunnyside (Wash.), then after a bye, won 46-20 last week at Sandpoint. 

Coeur d’Alene and Camas played a home-and-home in 2016 and ‘17, with the Papermakers winning both years — 49-30 at Cd’A, and 28-25 at home. 

This year’s version of the Papermakers has allowed 40 points in four games, and is averaging just over 35 points a game. 

Senior quarterback Jake Davidson has thrown for 928 yards and 17 touchdowns with just one interception in four games for Camas. Senior wide receiver Chase McGee has seven TD receptions. 

Camas is "certainly a playoff-level team," Amos said.

Lake City and Post Falls are both back home tonight, Lake City after a pair of long road trips in successive weeks (to Gig Harbor and Eisenhower of Yakima), Post Falls after two long trips in three weeks (to Eastmont of East Wenatchee, and to Glacier Peak of Snohomish). 

As for the picks, Mark Nelke, Jason Elliott and Josh McDonald all went 5-2 last week. For the season, Mark is 33-9, Jason 32-10, Josh 27-15.

TONIGHT’S GAMES 

All at 7 pm. 

Camas (Wash.) (4-0) at Coeur d’Alene (4-1)  

NELKE: The Vikings seemingly play only the best in their nonleague games, and this week is no different. 

Coeur d’Alene, 31-28 

ELLIOTT: Coeur d'Alene, happy to be home, puts on a show on the turf.

Coeur d'Alene, 34-24

McDONALD: Following last week’s statement win over Sandpoint, the Viks get to host the Papermakers, who happen to be the sixth-ranked 4A school from Washington. This has all the makings of a classic.

Coeur d'Alene, 30-27

Sandpoint (3-3) at Lake City (3-2) 

NELKE: Sandpoint has had no problem scoring — the Bulldogs are averaging 34.7 points per game. Against other 6A foes, Sandpoint lost 38-13 at Post Falls and 46-20 to Coeur d’Alene.   

Lake City has been stingy on defense — the Timberwolves are allowing just 12 points per game. Something’s gotta give ...  

Lake City, 18-17 

ELLIOTT: Lake City could be building toward something, but so is Sandpoint.

Sandpoint, 28-24

McDONALD: Both teams come into this game on streaks. The Timberwolves have won two in a row, while the Bulldogs have dropped back-to-back games. Give me the team with momentum. 

Lake City, 21-20

Battle Ground (Wash.) (3-1) at Post Falls (4-1)  

NELKE: The Trojans nearly pulled off a comeback for the ages in last week’s 47-42 loss at Glacier Peak. Post Falls could use a faster start this time. 

Post Falls, 35-28 

ELLIOTT: Post Falls needs a fast start tonight.

Post Falls, 34-33

McDONALD: Trojans bounce back at home against a solid Tiger squad.

Post Falls, 35-21

Lakeland (4-2) at Timberlake (2-4) 

NELKE: After starting 0-4, Timberlake has looked more like Timberlake the past two weeks. But Lakeland has had the upper hand in this series of late, winning 13 of the last 15 meetings. 

Lakeland, 35-28 

ELLIOTT: Lakeland, 34-20

McDONALD: The Hawks have owned this matchup over the past decade, winning eight of the past 10. Lakeland's defense is simply too good right now.

Lakeland, 45-10

Bonners Ferry (2-3) at Kellogg (2-3) 

NELKE: Kellogg, 28-22 

ELLIOTT: Bonners Ferry, 28-22

McDONALD: A year ago, the Wildcats had the Badgers on the ropes, but a goal line stand at the end of the game won it for Bonners. This game feels like a must-win for Kellogg’s resume if the Wildcats want to ensure they get a playoff spot. 

Kellogg, 33-25

Wallace (4-1) at Genesee (3-2) 

NELKE: The Bulldogs welcome another high-scoring foe from the North Star League. Last week, Lakeside won at Genesee 66-28. 

Wallace, 44-28 

ELLIOTT: Fresh off a bye week, Wallace gets back in the win column.

McDONALD: Here’s a fun stat, the Miners are 3-0 against teams that played Lakeside the week prior. They’ll bump that number up to 4-0 after this week. 

Wallace, 60-36

Deary (2-3) vs. Lakeside (4-0) at Marimn Health Coeur Center, Worley 

NELKE: Lakeside has scored 244 points in its four wins; Deary has scored 114 points in its last two games, both wins. 

Lakeside, 61-57 

ELLIOTT: Lakeside beat Deary in the final moments of their game last year. The Knights take care of things again.

Lakeside, 44-32

McDONALD: Knights stay undefeated.

Lakeside, 60-55