Swami left in the dark
Just when Swami had his opening and column together, out went the lights. The All-Knowing-One had to go from memory and will certainly have notes from here on out.
It is better to have everything in order instead of being at a loss for words. But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way, so let’s see if Swami makes sense this week.
ALPENA (1-2) at CADILLAC (1-2) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Alpena found what it takes to be a ranked team against Whitehall. The Wildcats’ first play from scrimmage put Alpena in a hole — one they never did get out of in 50-0 drubbing. Swami searched far and wide for bright spots on defense or offense and did not find anything.
Besides having identical records, the Vikings have the same valiant effort as the Wildcats, but the execution has been the stumbling block. Cadillac has averaged 20 plus points in two losses, while controlling Marquette 38-16. The All-Knowing-One thinks that could have a bearing on the outcome of this game.
In the latest loss to Mount Pleasant, Kaleb McKinley tried to push the Vikings to victory with a pair of touchdown runs and a 27-yard field goal by Teegan Baker had Cadillac in perfect position for the upset. But a lack of execution would be Cadillac’s downfall in a 27-24 loss.
Swami says the Wildcats faced adversity and turned it into a win against Marquette. In the Vikings’ win, it was the arm of quarterback Charlie Howell that made the difference, tossing five touchdowns to different receivers.
The All-Knowing-One says this will be an aerial attack on both defenses, making one believe whoever has the ball last will win. One of the unknowns is which team will execute better..
Swami Sez: Cadillac 28, Alpena 24.
HILLMAN (1-2) at ALCONA (3-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — In the battle of the Tigers, one is in dire need of win to remain alive for postseason play. Alcona is trying to protect its unblemished record to continue onward and remain in the mix for a North Star League championship.
It seems like Hillman has been one play away from pulling out wins. Take nothing away from the Hillman which are considered to be in the middle of a youth moment and considering the strength of schedule it would be difficult to get back to the postseason.
Hillman fought hard in the 46-42 loss to Mio using a combination of the running and receiving of Brody Appelgren with three touchdowns to keep in step with the Thunderbolts. Of Hillman’s 459 rushing yards, 181 came from London Achatz with freshman Easton Hunt was close behind with 143.
Alcona was able to put 40 points on the board in the first half and ran out to a 48-14 win over Atlanta. Quarterback Garrett Somers was dead on in the passing game with a 14-of-16 performance for 253 yards, including four touchdown passes.
In addition, Somers had time to add in a rushing touchdown. Collin Walker was the favorite receiver on this night with 145 yards with three scores.
A Hillman win would not only bring the Tigers back to 500, but would squarely improve their chances for the postseason. Alcona has to keep taking it a game at a time.
Swami Sez: Alcona 32, Hillman 18.
ROGERS CITY (3-0) at ATLANTA (0-3) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Rogers City passed its first test and now sets its eyes on Atlanta, who is hungry for a win.
Atlanta faced a potent passing attack in Alcona where the Huskies were out-distanced. The defensive line shut down Alcona’s running attack; a marked improvement from the previous week. The Huskies’ offense was not as consistent as the defense however. Landon Galea hauled in five catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Swami says if Atlanta is going to win, it has to move the ball on the ground, otherwise defenses will key in on the pass.
Rogers City used two second half touchdowns by Isaac Paull to seal a 12-6 win over Posen. In addition to Paull’s 144 rushing yards, Hayden Hentkowski contributed another 69 as the Hurons primarily went to the ground instead of going through the air.
The All-Knowing-One believes the Hurons will reverse their plan of attack this week, seeing as how Atlanta is able to stop the run.
Swami says Atlanta has some threats, but not as many as the Hurons and that will be the difference in the game.
Swami Sez: Rogers City 42, Atlanta 8.






