Mail can mean only two things: bills or unwanted advertisements. Last Saturday, Swami received a brochure for hearing aids and another from Ferris State University. The All-Knowing-One tossed the first piece of mail, but took time opening the other. Much to his surprise, it was an invitation to a 50-year reunion. Being a 1972 graduate and this being 2022, everything fit into place.

Athletes of today will be receiving one of these sooner than they think. But let’s not think about the future, let’s only concern ourselves with the present and this week’s games.

MARQUETTE (0-1) at ALPENA (0-1) — Thursday — 6:30 p.m. — Improvement should increase with every game for Alpena. One of the few bright spots last week came from quarterback Jake Zann going 22-of-38 for 210 yards. But it was the rushing attack that let the Wildcats down with only 41 yards. The first play from scrimmage set the tone for the Wildcat defense with an 83 -yard rushing touchdown. Part of the problem for Alpena’s defense is the advantage opposing offensive lines have over the lighter Wildcats.

Marquette will go with a two -quarterback system in Jaxson Jurmu and Jack Quinnell, but against Traverse City West neither had success. Even with a makeover, the youth movement has represented itself very well. The lone returner in the backfield is Nate Benninger, while Tucker Welch is getting his first touches. Overall, the Redmen are looking to mesh returnees with newcomers.

Swami is hoping for a far better outcome this Thursday and a lot more enthusiasm.

Swami Sez: Marquette 18, Alpena 14.

ATLANTA (0-1) at MIO (0-1) — Thursday — 7 p.m. — Mio offensively played well enough to win last week, but the defense was unable to stop a wide open Alcona offense. Any time a team can put up 52 points, they should be able to come out with a win. Running back Nathan Hurst carried the Thunderbolts’ offense, rushing for two touchdowns, but he did the most damage at wide receiver. Hurst finished with the seventh best game in MHSAA record books with 266 receiving yards, to go along with three scores.

Atlanta faced one of the most explosive teams in the North Star League in Au Gres, only to come away with a moral victory. The Huskies’ offense crossed the goal line three times. The Huskies’ defense also held its own until a second half breakdown. The Wolverines torched the secondary as Hunter Harman hauled in five receptions for 130 yards, three of which went for scores.

Swami says if the Huskies can shore up their secondary then Atlanta could be in a dog fight. If not then it could be another long night. Swami says if the Thunderbolts come with an explosion like game one, then it will be an assured win.

Swami Sez: Mio 42, Atlanta 12.

HILLMAN (1-0) at POSEN (1-0) — Thursday — 7 p.m. — This should be and will be a traditional showdown in the North Star League. Both combined for 92 points last week, while pitching goose eggs on defense.

Posen quarterback Jack Romel and halfback Cole Krajniak scored early and often, with a touchdown grab by Logan Timm thrown in for good measure in the shutout win. Swami says the Vikings can not let up on either side of the ball as Hillman will pounce on the error.

The opening play against Whittemore-Prescott proved that point. The Cardinals’ first play from scrimmage resulted in a turnover. The middle of the Tigers’ line exploded across the line, and dislodged the ball. Several plays later the Tigers crossed the goal line untouched and the rout was on.

Freshman Easton Hunt showed he should be in the Tigers backfield with three rushing touchdowns. Quarterback A.J. Jones had a touchdown as well.

The real question Swami has is, can either team find the slightest crack in the defense will allow that offense to gain momentum? The All-Knowing-One feels both teams will be up to the task, but neither will be able to be held out of the end zone.

Swami Sez: Hillman 42, Posen 40.