Improvement is a goal Swami strives for week to week. If you become complacent, then you have tunnel vision and feel no need to improve. The All-Knowing-One is always looking for that one missed stat, a player’s name that he might have missed or the overall team performance, something athletes can build upon.

Local teams have improved and Swami wants to do the same. Let’s see how he fares this week:

ALPENA (0-4) at TRAVERSE CITY WEST (3-1) — Friday — 7 pm. — The Wildcats take to the road, but it doesn’t get any easier. The Wildcats were thoroughly handled by Cadillac, 37-6, while West was handed its first loss by Traverse City Central last week. Let’s say West is looking to take it out on someone and the Wildcats are looking for respectability.

The reins at quarterback were handed over to senior Ryan Voltz, who scrambled most of the night, completing 8 of 12 attempts for 133 yards. Voltz hooked up with Brady Niedzwiecki for the only score by Alpena.

A combination of passing and rushing by Cadillac kept the Wildcats’ defense on the field for most of the game. The Wildcats will see more of that tonight, as the Titans have used the combination of both in their wins.

The Titans’ only form of offense last week came as quarterback Brandon Konchek found Will Gaston twice for the only points West scored in the 42-14 loss. Swami just has a feeling that West will come out with guns blazing tonight.

This will be the last road trip to Traverse City for football, as the Traverse City teams are going to a more competitive conference. For the Wildcats that will be good news as they have yet to break into the win column in 24 attempts against West.

Swami Sez: Traverse City West 42, Alpena 14.

ALCONA (2-2) at AU GRES (4-0) — Friday — 7 pm. — Both schools are doing better a year ago. Au Gres had one win last year and now it sits at 4-0. Alcona entered into 8-man football not knowing what to expect, but is doing remarkably well.

The Wolverines put up 48 points in their latest win. Quarterback Mason VanSickle had another excellent night throwing the ball for 319 yards and four touchdowns. The duo of Gabe Metzger and Evan Saunders accounted 297 yards. Keagan Bender complemented the air attack, rushing for 179 yards, two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Bender was also a force on defense with 16 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Alcona matched unbeaten Inland Lakes step for step, but came up short in an exciting game. A Garrett Somers to Michael Basner touchdown pass allowed the Tigers to pull themselves into a 7-7 tie early on. The Bulldogs gained breathing room, before the Tigers made a charge, with a touchdown reception by William Liebler and a tackle breaking run by Basner to get Alcona within four points. But the Bulldogs final TDs made the difference.

Swami feels the Tigers have to shore up some minor details to turn this season into a winning one. The road does not get any easier taking on the Wolverines, but their defense is capable. Swami feels the Tigers with their lineup have an excellent chance for the upset.

Swami Sez: Au Gres 35, Alcona 24.

POSEN (0-4) at ROGERS CITY (4-0) — Friday — 7 pm. — With little fanfare, the Hurons are on a roll, and that’s the way they like it. Rogers City allowed a single touchdown in the opener against Brethren and has pitched shutout ball since. Posen has been within reach of some wins, but just cannot get a break. In the latest loss to Mio, the Vikings scored enough points to win, but turnovers proved to be the difference.

Two weeks ago, the Hurons used the onside kick to gain control over Onaway. In a 32-0 shutout of Bessmer last week, the defense covered the gaps between the offensive line allowing for little yardage up the middle.

Posen’s offense has rounded into shape, but it seems the defense is lagging, as Mio took advantage of the pass. Swami says this will be a true test for the Vikings against a very stingy Huron defense. If the Vikings are not able to move the ball in the first couple of series, it could spell a long night for Posen.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 28, Posen 8.

HALE (2-2) at HILLMAN (1-3) — Friday — 7 pm. — Hale snapped a two-game losing streak with a one-sided win over Atlanta last week and it wants to continue that streak against the Tigers.

Robert Rosebrugh was the main cog in the Eagles’ offense, rushing for 137 yards and throwing for four touchdowns. Zach Koepke led the way on the ground with 78 yards, while Brandon Maddox hauled in two TD passes.

There was no giving up by Hillman Tigers against Au Gres. Quarterback AJ Jones threw only six passes, with one of the completions going for a 56-yard touchdown to sophomore Treton Taratuta. The Vikings used a trio of running backs to garner 226 yards of rushing, with Sean Henigan leading the way on 24 carries for 141 yards and a touchdown. Jeff Klein was able to barrel in for a score on one of his 12 carries. Owen Moulten picked up the remaining yardage on seven carries.

Swami feels Hillman has the makings of a good team, the only drawback has been the offense and defense has not been on the same page. In the end this game is hard to call and it might come down to Hillman’s home field advantage as the difference.

Swami Sez: Hale 28, Hillman 24.