In Swami’s world no two days are alike. The All-Knowing-One is trying to get himself into walking mode. For the most part, Swami gets his steps in, and as his wife says, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it.’ The All-Knowing-One has taken her advice with the hopes of regaining his youth.

High school football players should not have to work at taking steps since constant moving on the practice field and during a game should have them in shape. Let’s see if Swami can work this week’s column into shape

GAYLORD (3-2) at ALPENA (1-4) — Friday — 7 p.m. – Alpena had everything going for itself in the final minute of play against Petoskey, except the length of the field. A heave to the end zone as time ran out found the receiver after a tip by the Northmen, but the reception was ruled out of bounds.

Alpena’s offensive game plan was dead on — 182 yards on the ground and 168 through the air. It is those little mistakes that tend to hurt Alpena’s chances to win. The Northmen did not have an answer for junior half back Kaleb Donajkowski, who rushed for 148 yards and touchdowns of 5, 63 and 2 yards. But two Petoskey second half touchdowns turned a perfect game plan into defeat.

Gaylord’s bend-but-don’t-break defense set up a defensive battle against Cadillac. The Blue Devils did afford the defense to not get much rest, committing four critical turnovers that led to all the points Cadillac needed. Overall the Blue Devils did a yeoman’s job of shutting down the explosive Viking offense, allowing just 121 yards of total offense.

The All-Knowing-One thinks Alpena’s defensive secondary will once again be picked again, but not like the last two weeks.

Swami says the Wildcats must be ready for anything the Blue Devils throw at them. Just because the rushing attack worked last week does not mean this week will be the same. After seeing film, Gaylord might see if they can take advantage of the Wildcats’ secondary. The All-Knowing-One has to say it is Alpena’s turn for some game-changing defensive plays.

Swami Sez: Gaylord 28, Alpena 21.

ALCONA (5-0) at INLAND LAKES (4-1) — Saturday — 1 p.m. — After having basically a week off after a thrashing of Charlton Heston, Alcona is ready to put its unblemished record on the line against Inland Lakes. The same can be said of the Bulldogs dominating Forest Area.

What better way of starting on senior night than to have a 40-0 lead? Connor Knight started the rout with touchdowns of 43 and 58 yards, before everyone was in their seats. Sam Mayer added to the long run offense going 42 yards. Payton Teuthorn and Evan Perreault added long touchdown runs as well, with the Bulldogs piling up 232 rushing yards over the first 12 minutes. Swami says it will not be that easy against the Tigers as the defense has only allowed 19 points on average.

Alcona quarterback Garrett Somers keeps improving his accuracy as he tossed four touchdowns in addition to having a kickoff return touchdown. Collin Walker was not to be outdone, also scoring four times. The defense of the Tigers might have given up 14 points, but Walker, Hayden Johnston and Jesse Sheldon all had double digit tackles.

Swami has his doubts when the season started for the Tigers, as he felt the defense was not as strong, but they have proven themselves. What is going to make this game interesting is that both teams have given up 99 points through five games. The All-Knowing-One has to say the team with the better offensive scheme just might come out on top. With all this information, it makes it hard for Swami to come up with a winner.

Swami Sez: Alcona 38, Inland Lakes 28.

ROGERS CITY (5-0) at WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT (2-3) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Rogers City picked up a win without playing as Hale could not field a team, which improves their record but did little for their playoff points.

Last week, the Cardinals offensively had a very productive game on the ground, rolling up 405 yards, with quarterback Sam Vyner chewing up 227 of those yards with three touchdowns on 47 carries. The All-Knowing-One has to say in 8-man football, you can not go strictly with the rush, especially against a defensive team like Rogers City.

Rogers City does not strictly rush the ball, at this point of the season it can be said it is the strong suit of the two with Isaac Paul, Hayden Hentkowski and quarterback Spencer Whitford capable of producing 100-yard+ rushing games.

It is the defense of the Hurons that is capable of winning a ball game against any high-flying opposition, and this is the reason why they have only given up 66 points to this point. Swami feels the Hurons will clamp down on the run and force them to throw and it could be a field day for the defense.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 42, Whittemore-Prescott 6.

ONEKAMA (1-4) at POSEN (4-1) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Posen did not let an easy win over Charleton Heston go to their heads against pass-happy Mio. The Vikings produced the most firepower in a 56-48 shootout. Onekama put 76 points on the board against Rock Mid Peninsula, which was the most points scored since 1963.

Sophomore Tucker Pratt has taken over the reins at quarterback and has helped make the Portagers a competitive team. The Portagers two main receivers have been wideout Kasey Lavinge and tight end Travis Lapp, but they can run too. Mercedez Mcleod leads the way with his 5-foot-4 stature and can easily squeeze through the smallest of holes. The Portagers are in the midst of playing their final five games on the road — a stretch that includes more than 1,100 miles. With all the traveling, Swami has to say the Vikings certainly should have the advantage.

Quarterback Jack Romel is a jack-of-all trades, leading Posen in rushing and passing. Romel’s limited carries result in over 100 yards rushing, while halfback Cole Krajniak is close behind. The Vikings like to spread their wealth around as Ethan Romel and Logan Timm have gotten in on the scoring too.

Swami Sez: Posen 32, Onekama 12.