After a shortened year of football, Swami is hoping for a return to normalcy. How this year will shake out is anyone’s guess. The All-Knowing-One is taking the train of thought of one game at a time. He has the crystal ball, but it’s no match for the virus. He is hoping for a complete season with playoffs, so players, fans and parents can enjoy.

ALPENA (0-0) at MARQUETTE (0-0) – Thursday – 7 p.m. – Both teams are getting an early start. Last season was a contrast for both teams: The Redmen made it to the regional playoff final, compiling a fine 7-2 record. The Wildcats fought hard in every contest, but went without a win.

The Redmen are looking to reload, but they have a strong foundation with three all-staters returning in: Austin Ridl, Justin Jurmu and defensive back Desmond Mullen. Ridl has been under center for the last three seasons and is looking to add to his aerial yardage to the likes of Jurmu, David Eberhard, Jordan DeMay and Owen Beauchamp.

Alpena coach Eric Mitchell is hoping locker room leadership will carry over to the field. If so, life could be interesting for the opponents. The best weapon to lead the attack is senior Everett Zann. The quarterback position is a luxury for the Wildcats, the competition has been so close that a starter has not been announced. The receiving core will be led by Mason Mumford, Brady Niedzwiecki, Jordan Duncan and Kayden Budnick capable of picking up big yardage.

Swami Sez: Marquette 35, Alpena 13.

OSCODA (0-0) at TAWAS (0-0) – Thusday – 7 p.m. – This rivalry has seen Oscoda walk away with the News-Press trophy five straight years. The Braves are out to the end the streak on their home field. Oscoda had one of its finest seasons last year, collecting nine wins and claiming a district trophy. The Braves went the other direction. A win tonight would do wonders for the program. For Oscoda, last year’s seniors have set the bar for the sophomores and juniors, as they helped them gain the experience, while giving the young Owls a taste of winning.

The loss of experience does not make the Owls any less of a challenge for Tawas. Throughout the series games have been tight and well played. Swami doesn’t expect anything different tonight.

Swami Sez: Oscoda 18, Tawas 14.

ONAWAY (0-0) at INLAND LAKES (0-0) – Friday – 7 p.m. – It doesn’t get any better than this, opening weekend. The inexperienced Cardinals against a preverbal powerhouse in the Bulldogs. Onaway only has two returning starters and is without defensive end Jager Mix, who is recovering for an injury. Swami says the Cardinals will have some big shoes to fill, but coach Steve Klinge is counting on a replacement to fit the bill. Besides the defense, Onaway has a big question at quarterback with Jadin Mix and Brendon Brewbaker vying for the start. One thing the Cardinals have going for them is options because both players are versatile. Trey Prince will anchor the offensive line. Sophomore Gavin Green has blossomed on the offensive and defensive side of the ball having gotten grass time last fall.

The Cardinals will get an early gauge as to where they are at. The All-Knowing-One likes Cardinals’ attitude, but games are where you get to see how good you are and where knowledge is put to the test.

Swami Sez: Inland Lakes 27, Onaway 12.

ALCONA (0-0) at HILLMAN (0-0) – Friday – 7 p.m. – One never knows what to expect from a debut. For Alcona there will be an adjustment, going from 11-Player to 8- Player football. The game is a lot quicker and everyone has to be on top of their game.

Coach Jason Somers treats the opener as a fresh start. With the change of personnel, there has to be a change of offensive scheme. With a spread offense, both Michael Basner and Jesse Sheldon will see the bulk of the carries. The Tigers will start a freshmen at quarterback in Garrett Somers. Jeremiah Bullis and Collin Walker should make their presence known at the wide receiver position. The bulk of Alcona’s squad is young, but Swami feels Alcona should be well stocked for the coming years.

Hillman is not a unknown and has a good nucleus to start with, particularly with veterans like Sean Henigan and Jeff Klein.

Swami Sez: Alcona 21, Hillman 16.