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Swami is pushed to the brink

Having said what Swami did last week, he figured he had jinxed himself. But nothing was farther from the truth. The All-Knowing-One did get another shot seeing the buck, but something else is on his mind.

NFL games were number one on his list Sunday after Sunday. He didn’t get a chance to see the beginning of the Falcons-Lions last weekend, but did catch the deciding play that resulted in a Lions loss.

That evening the games really didn’t mean that much after seeing team after team show disrespect. What was the thinking of these so called professional football players? Swami thinks if they are professional, they should act like it.

With that in mind, Swami will continue to watch high school and college games where the national anthem means something to these players. Players standing and looking toward the flag with respect, not kneeling, arm in arm, etc. With that Swami will do something constructive on Sundays instead.

ALPENA (2-3) at YPSILANTI COMMUNITY (2-3) — This should be a better matchup for the Wildcats. But the difference might be in the breakdown of competition the Grizzles have played.

The Wildcats were completely overmatched and outplayed against a very good Traverse City West team last week. Swami can see why the Titans were ranked seventh in Division 1.

Not much went right for Alpena. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown in the second quarter set the tone for West early. The Titans were able plug holes, keeping Alpena’s Logan Guthrie and Alex Arch from having big nights. Alpena had positive rushing yardage of 75 yards in the first half, well below their season average.

Ypsilanti Community had high hopes against cross town rival Lincoln, but came up short 21-14. The Grizzles were denied a tying score as time ran out. The Grizzles did as well as the Wildcats in terms of mental mistakes. Ypsilanti lost the ball six times in the first half. The All-Knowing-One can say the defense of the Grizzles did an outstanding job against Lincoln. Hahmad Williams and Matt Harmon were standouts for Ypsilanti.

Swami Sez:  Ypsilanti Community 32, Alpena 14.

MIO (0-5) at ROGERS CITY (1-4) — It is difficult for Swami to see these two historic rivals in this state. Swami knows it is not for the lack of hard work or lack of talent.

The Thunderbolts put up their best effort of the season, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Hillman. The Thunderbolts offensive effectiveness has been the Brenden DeFlorio to River Waisanen connection. Rogers City’s offensive woes have it searching for that breakout game, but the Hurons have not been able to put one together. Oscoda kept them still in the dark, taking a storm shortened game 35-0.

So what is the outcome of this game going to be? The All-Knowing-One says a win by the Thunderbolts just might the boost needed to give them momentum for the remainder of the season. The same can be said about Rogers City as its only win came against non-conference foe Inland Lakes. To Swami both teams are in need of consistency on offense. Defenses have taken the brunt of the leaders in the conference and need to get off the field.

Swami feels the offenses will rise up. The difference will be which team can make the key stops at the right time.

Swami Sez:  Rogers City 12, Mio 8.

HILLMAN (2-3) at HARBOR SPRINGS (3-2) — For the second straight week the Tigers’ offense came to life, something they hadn’t done during the first third of the season. Harbor Springs is a team very similar to the Tigers; it lost two games and has now won its last three.

Riddled by injuries and tired bodies, the Rams still found a way to pull out a 20-14 win over St. Ignace. Fireworks happened for both sides in the first half. Neither team could find a rhythm in the second half. St. Ignace have put together a last minute drive, but were rejected with a fourth down sack.

The Rams scoring came from a 75-yard run by Jackson Wells, the other two scores came on rushes by senior Jacob Pater. Swami has heard good things about Pater showing leadership on both sides of the ball. Swami feels after a good week of practice, they could come out with another win.

Hillman wasted little time in cranking out a win. Caine Hunt put the Tigers up 8-6 before the lightning came. The Tigers were a little sluggish when play resumed. But towards the end of the second Hillman came on strong to put the game away, scoring three times.

The coaching staff was very pleased in that the Tigers were able to move the ball with ease, thanks to a line that played the best it has so far this season. The Tigers started slow last year and came back to make the playoffs. Can they do it again? It still may be too soon, but the All-Knowing-One hopes he doesn’t jinx them by saying so.

Swami Sez:  Hillman 24, Harbor Springs 21.

ALCONA (4-1) at OSCODA (4-1) — Seems like Swami always saves the best for last. The game between Tigers and Owls is a playoff game in his eyes. The winner almost assures itself a playoff spot and first place in the North Star League’s Big Dipper division. The All-Knowing-One has to say the competition between the two schools couldn’t be any closer. Both losses have lost to Au Gres by just a few points.

The Owls were not looking past Rogers City when they scored early and often. Nathan Nagel was the star of the shortened game, rushing for a pair of touchdowns and passing for another in the first quarter.

Alcona were not looking ahead either, using a three touchdown night by Tim Hutchinson to whitewash Whittemore-Prescott 52-14. Hutchinson alone gained 235 rushing yards. Jack Hutchinson also got into the scoring act with a rushing touchdown and 176 yards. A lengthy weather delay did not detour the Alcona players and fans from celebrating into the late evening hours.

The All-Knowing-One has to give the home field advantage to the Owls, but is it going to be enough of a cushion? On the other hand, he feels that no one has derailed the Tiger express, when it comes to a ground game. Nagel may have the better arm of the two quarterbacks. So where does that leave Swami? Playing one against the other, back and forth, so eventually he has to pick…….

Swami Sez:  Alcona 42, Oscoda 35.

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