Jere Bey, A.K.A. "Swami"

Weekends were full of football in the fall, but over the past season suddenly things have changed. Money has done this to the thoughts of the All-Knowing-One. Money has always been a way in the NFL, but the amounts have kept rising to secure the rosters of teams. That is why his thoughts turned him away, fame and fortune keep building teams that can be contenders for a Super Bowl. That is why he has turned away from the game, causing the first ball to drop. Very recently, college football followed suit. Before, players went to schools that would offer the best scholarships. Now they have followed the NFL, offering scholarships, but the big draw is being paid to play. With that in mind, there is no allegiance, no guarantee they will remain on campus for four years.

For those reasons, Swami has reduced his weekend football craving to area high school games, being primarily played on Friday nights. It is the only game, that promotes the word team, every player on the same page, for one common cause to hopefully come out with a win. It is true, some players may gain All-Conference or All-State honors. The end result all are playing for the pure enjoyment of a game they love. Let’s see if, the All-Knowing-One can do the same, writing a column that he has done for years for the enjoyment that he loves to do…

CADILLAC (1-2) at ALPENA (0-3) — Friday at 7 p.m.

Could this be the game that will propel either Cadillac or Alpena towards a Big North Conference win. Alpena coming off a shutout loss to Zeeland East on Saturday. The Wildcats were shut out for the first time this season, which is a vast improvement over the past season. Zeeland completely dominated the Wildcats in every aspect of the game, with the stiffest defense Alpena has faced so far. The All-Knowing-One has faced three playoff teams over the course of the first three games. The Wildcats are looking to put everything together against the Vikings, a conference game also, which would boost the spirits, in addition gaining that elusive first win. Swami has the thought process that this is do able.

The Vikings beat Sault Ste. Marie to go a leg up on the Wildcats as well in the conference. Cadillac needed something to kick start a win and the Blue Devils fit the bill. The Vikings wasted little time to get on the board, on a pass play from quarterback Dom Wing to David Nobles. Cadillac’s defense controlled Soo’s ability to move the ball. By doing so, putting the Viking offense to score in every quarter. The passing offense from Wing put the ball in the air 22 times with 18 completions for 163 yards, in addition to four touchdowns. Receiver Nobles was the favor target on seven of those for 77 yards. The rushing game of Cadillac was used to supplement the passing game, Austen Laizure carried the ball eight times for 39 yards. Defense kept the Blue Devils off the score board. Eli Wilson led the way with eight tackles, while Brandon Martinson, Lucas Vancil and Max Narovich were close behind with six tackles each.

Some might say Swami is full of wishful thinking. But he has seen improvement even though they haven’t completely turned the corner. He feels that could be soon. This week, the defense will be tested in the air, if the Wildcats can jump some favorite passing routes of the Vikings. It could be a beginning the Wildcats have been looking for.

Swami Sez: Alpena 24, Cadillac 20.

WHITTEMORE-PRESCOTT (1-2) at ROGERS CITY (3-0) — Friday at 7 p.m.

Rogers City coming off a win over rival Onaway, then add in the excitement of homecoming, what else could the Hurons ask for? Whittemore-Prescott is looking to rebound after a loss to Hillman and would like to play spoiler. The Hurons would like to take another step towards the post season. Onaway did not have an answer for the Hurons duo of Bryan McKinstry and Cayden Rhode. Rhode rumbled through the heart of the Cardinals defense in picking up 168 yards to go along with three touchdowns on only 12 carries. McKinstry was proficient through the air with 181 yards, with three of the 15 passes, connecting for touchdowns.

Whittemore-Prescott came into the Hillman game as one team that could score, but their defense was suspect. Hillman proved that with a basic one-dimensional ground game. The Hillman defense limited the high-power offense of the Cardinals to two touchdowns.

Whittemore-Prescott is known for its running and that is what they will have to get back on track. Swami says if they don’t, it will be another frustrating night and the Cardinals flight will be held to minimal success. Aiden Bell had 200 yards plus games in the first two weeks rushing the ball. Hillman’s concentration on him, forced the Cardinals to use Bodie Lintz and quarterback Blake Miller, which the duo did not have the same effect. With that in mind, the All-Knowing-One has to say the same defensive mindset will be displayed by the Hurons. The Cardinals will have to come up with another offensive scheme to counter the defense of the Hurons.

The big question Swami has to answer is: Can the Hurons add another win towards reaching their goal of a post-season appearance? Four good quarters will provide the answer.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 38, Whittemore-Prescott 13.

HILLMAN (3-0) at BALDWIN (0-3) — Saturday at 6 p.m.

Hillman will have an extra day of practice to prepare for Baldwin. The Tigers hope to not fall out of the routine playing on Friday. Baldwin is just the opposite, hoping that will be time enough to get them in the mindset of playing. So far, the Panthers have not played up to their capabilities, being outscored 148-56. Their point production has gone downhill, being shut out by Bear Lake. The strength of schedule has a lot to do with the Panthers being 0-3. Each opponent to this point of the season is in contention to making the playoffs. So, Swami has one thing to say, hopefully the Tigers will not take this game for granted.

Hillman put the ball in the hands of a one-man wrecking crew, in the form of Eddie Prue with rushing yardage of 136 yards, in addition to 162 yards receiving. Add in five touchdowns on the night, is more than some area teams can put together. Prue also had time to make 12 tackles on defense. The All-Knowing-One has to say, Prue was the MVP of the game. Prue did not just show off his versatility on this night, but has done it consistently over the first three outings. But one thing that cannot be taken for granted, is one player does not pick up the yardage by himself, it takes teamwork. If the offensive line did not open up the holes, or allow quarterback Xavier Nichols time to throw, the amount would not have been as great.

Swami says this is a tale of two different scenarios, the Panthers are a very young team learning every step of the way. Their spirit has been dampened as the season has gone one, whereas the Tiger program has received an uplifting that has made them into a contender not only in the North Star Conference, but towards a possible playoff game.

Swami Sez: Hillman 42, Baldwin 12.

OSCODA (1-2) at CHARLEVOIX (3-0) — Friday at 7 p.m.

Oscoda was looking to build on an early touchdown against Elk Rapids, but the building blocks crumpled in an 8-6 low scoring game. A win by the Owls would have done wonders in the Northern Michigan Football Conference Leaders Division. Instead, it was a painful loss to the hopes of staying on the positive side in terms of record. Charlevoix did not sputter in their first game of the conference against Tawas. As a matter of fact, they played like a well-oiled machine in a 54-7 win.

The Owls broke on top late in the second quarter, giving them a lead they would hold until the four minute mark of the fourth quarter, when Elk Rapids broke the plain of the endzone and tacked on the winning two-point conversion. A 12-yard run by Hunter Vincenty-Cole provided the total points Oscoda would garner. Vincenty-Cole led the rushing attack with 69 yards, in addition to throwing for 44 yards. Casey Nelson, Randey Eschenburg and Crue Weisenstein also added to the total rushing yardage. The Owls defense was rock solid until the fourth quarter led by Brett Travis with 12 tackles, while Weisenstein and Nelson contributed seven each.

Charlevoix took wind out of Tawas’ sails, with two quick plays that went for touchdowns. Quarterback Collin Jess connected on a 72-yard pass play with Garrison Sterrett, then halfback Ian Moran broke through the line 70 yards for another quick score. The rushing Moran wore down the defense of the Braves for 172 yards, while scoring four times. Jess put the ball in the air 11 times connecting on eight, good for 183 yards.

The All-Knowing-One has to say the Rayders have found a groove on the scoring side. In addition, Moran has broken off large chunks of yardage via the run. Oscoda will have to be rock solid on defense, if they stop the run, then they have to defend the pass.

Swami Sez: Charlevoix 28, Oscoda 8.