LAKE CITY, CDA FOOTBALL PROGRAMS HAD SICKLY SEASONS

I wouldn't go as far as saying football is on life support at Coeur d'Alene's two high schools. But, frankly, the two programs find themselves in need of intensive care.

Everything Lake City gained by its first-ever win two weeks ago was probably flushed down the drain in its loss last week to Coeur d'Alene (27-0).

I'm not sure if LC is closer to winning more games than it was at the end of its first season.

The good news, however, is LC's under-varsity programs had much success this fall. The bad news, though, is some of those top players will still be underclassmen and new to the varsity level next year - much like the first group from a year ago.

Things aren't all rosy in Viking country. CdA could turn things around by next season if coach Bill Anderson addresses some internal problems created by his late hiring, among other things.

It was a trying year for Anderson. Unlike transitions at other stops in his career, Anderson didn't take over a losing program at CdA.

Fair or not, Anderson will be expected to transpose the numbers on the Viks' final record, 2-7, next year. He'll have an abundance of skill talent returning.

Fall awards

It's time to hand out our annual season-ending honors. We'll start with football since we're on the subject.

In the Inland Empire League, team of the year honor goes to Post Falls based largely on the Trojans' streak-ending victory at Lewiston (41-20).

Here's hoping for a rematch between the two teams next week in the second round of the state playoffs.

Coach of the year goes to everybody's friend, Jerry Lee at Post Falls. He proved last year wasn't a fluke as his Trojans won the IEL title outright this season.

Most valuable player is a tough choice. And I'm not even considering running backs in this category, because the league's top runners, Josh Mort of Post Falls and Jeremy Thielbahr of Sandpoint, are just one-way players.

The athletes that come to mind here are Post Falls' Austin Lee (tight end/defensive end) and Lewiston's Jim Farris (wide receiver/defensive back) and Chris Kennedy (running back/defensive back).

Neither team would be as good as it is without their top players. I'm going to make this a shared award.

Most improved player is Lewiston quarterback Jeremy Frei, though two injuries during the season kept him from showing exactly how improved. Rookie of the year? Thielbahr, hands down.

Intermountain League awards are easy to pick, too.

Team of the year goes to St. Maries. Coach of the year goes to Curt Carr of St. Maries - though Lakeland's Terry Kiefer pulled in some consideration after the miracle he and his staff pulled off. Kellogg's Shawn Amos also did a credible job.

MVP is also easy: St. Maries running back/ linebacker Jason Hall. Most improved also hails from St. Maries, quarterback Jason Holdahl.

Rookie of the year goes to Kellogg running back Josh Easley.

Here are the North Star League honors: Team of the year, Lakeside; coach of the year, Lakeside's Ron Miller; MVP, Mullan running back/linebacker David Reed; most improved, Lakeside running back Buck Allen; rookie of the year, Lakeside's Mario Falciani.

Here are the volleyball awards.

IEL: Team of the year, Sandpoint; coach of the year, Jeff Hurst of Sandpoint, with Coeur d'Alene's Karla Mitchell a close second; MVP, no questions, Alli Nieman of Sandpoint (the best player in the state, period); most improved, Tiwi Bond of Sandpoint; rookie of the year, Mandy Ringhand of Sandpoint.

IML: Team of the year, St. Maries; coach of the year, Mitch Santos of St. Maries (took youngest team ever to runner-up finish at state); MVP, Eanna Aaron of Bonners Ferry; most improved, Amanda Tams of St. Maries; rookie of the year, Jamie Hammes of St. Maries.

Small schools: Team of the year, Clark Fork; coach of the year, Sandy Ross of Clark Fork; MVP, Joy Sperry of Wallace; most improved, Dana Streeter of Wallace; rookie of the year, Toya Bailey of Wallace.

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