Current temperatures are not conducive to football and Swami thinks it might run out of steam over the next two weeks. The All-Knowing-One is not a weather guru, but the almanac is predicting temps will become fall-like shortly after Labor Day.

Weather is very unpredictable. With that in mind, the All-Knowing-One will stay on the football side of predicting, for his overall record is far greater than a 50/50 chance.

SAGINAW HERITAGE (0-0) at ALPENA (0-0) — Thursday — 7 p.m. — Alpena is looking to rebound from a 2-7 season; what a better way then having its first two games at home?

Saginaw Heritage is looking to turn around its football program after two losing seasons in the last three years. The Hawks, looking for a fresh start, are led by quarterback Ethan Mason, a 5-foot-11 junior, who has combined the run/pass into positive yardage. Carrington Pryor was his favorite receiver last season. The majority of the Hawk offense comes from the backfield of Zion Riley and Ty Robertson.

Alpena junior Jake Zann will be under center, following a season-ending injury. With a year of experience, he will be an influence as a passing threat or rushing. The Wildcats have plenty of depth in this slot with senior Brady Pagels and junior Kaleb Donajkowski that can be inserted into the up-tempo Wildcat offense.

Middle linebacker Colt Gray will have to take a young defensive core under his wing and be a leader, turning the defense into a cohesive unit.

Swami is in foreign territory, having an unknown opponent where he can examine previous tendencies. He is going out on the limb here.

Swami Sez: Alpena 20, Saginaw Heritage 14

CHARLETON HESTON (0-0) at ROGERS CITY (0-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Rogers City is constantly looking to improve, even though an eight-win season and a playoff berth will be hard to top. Swami says the Hurons have the talent with 12 returning seniors, and skilled positions filled to top last year’s banner year. Not only do the Hurons have a returning quarterback in Spencer Whitford, who is a dual signal caller, but Hayden Hentkowski returns in the backfield with speed, being a threat as a runner or receiver, combining for 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns.

With the senior leadership, the reigns have been loosened, giving the offense a chance to make the big plays.

Charleton Heston has been a well known secret and it’s been hard for teams to get a read on them. If history is correct, opponents have had little difficulty in solving the Patriots’ defense. Heston’s offense has had little success in making a dent in the tough North Star League.

Swami says the Hurons will have little difficulty earning their first win of the season.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 44, Charleton-Heston 0.

HILLMAN (0-0) at WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT — Friday — 7:00 p.m. — Hillman has a playoff streak that stretches almost two decades. This season might put an end to the streak, but on the other hand, it may be the challenge of the team coming together that will allow it to continue.

Whittemore-Prescott has been on the other side of the spectrum, coming off a 3-6 season and facing another uphill battle to at least get to .500. Youth and lack of experience must be overcome if the Cardinals are to be competitive. The Cardinals do have senior quarterback Brady Oliver, who is looking to bring the offense back with his leadership.

The Tigers are led by junior quarterback A.J. Jones, who is looking forward to the challenge of making the offense into a complete unit. Jones will have one of his favorite targets back in Trenton Taratuta, who has the ability to make the big play. Hillman has the ability to have fresh legs in the backfield with seniors London Achatz and Brody Appelgren alternating.

Swami says opening on the road can have its drawbacks, but the Tigers have this one paws down.

Swami says: Hillman 30, Whittemore-Prescott 6.

MIO (0-0) at ALCONA (0-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Mio has mastered eight-man football by now. The Thunderbolts made it to the postseason last year before falling to Hillman.

Alcona made the adjustment to eight-player football last year and went 5-4. The Tigers will have the majority of their roster to improve upon last season.

Coach Jason Somers has been encouraged in the preseason workouts and is on board with the goals the team has set for the upcoming season. The Tigers are working towards becoming a team and not individuals on the field. The Tigers are working towards improving wins and making a strong push in North Star.

Quarterback Garrett Somers had an impressive freshman season, and is looking to improve. Life will be easier with wideouts Jeremiah Bullis and Collin Walker and Jesse Sheldon handling the bulk of the rushing attack.

Nothing like having a tough conference opener to start the season. The All-Knowing-One believes the winner will make noise in the North Star League.

Swami Sez: Mio 24, Alcona 22.