Swami never knows where he’ll get information for his next column. This time it came quickly and was more then enough for several columns. The best story was in Boyne City where The All-Knowing-One witnessed the Pee Wee practice of his grandson Reese Bey.

Swami was sitting on a picnic table about halfway through the two-hour practice and spied three fifth graders walking through the entrance of Rambler stadium. A good-sized football player said to his buddy, “I can not imagine that (football practice) being any fun. All you do is fall to the ground, run, block, catch and throw a football. How much fun is that?”

For young players, football is a lot of blocking, tackling, offense and defensive techniques. Repetition isn’t always fun, but, when you put everything together in a game, that’s when the fun starts. The All-Knowing-One says don’t knock the game unless you try it.

ALPENA (0-1) at SAULT STE. MARIE (1-0) – Friday – Turnovers can change the complexion of any game. For Alpena and Sault Ste. Marie, this happened last week, but both teams had different results. The Wildcats had three fumbles that changed the outcome against Escanaba as all three were game changers. The Blue Devils were placed in a similar situation with four turnovers, but none resulted in points and they managed to pull out an overtime win against Cheboygan 13-7.

Sault halfback Ryan Jones broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run in the first quarter for the only Sault scoring until overtime. Sault used four running plays to score and pull out the win.

Swami says this game will be won on the ground as the Wildcats have put together a ground game with the wing T. The Blue Devils are predominately a ground control type of team too. What Swami feels is the No. 1 concern is the Wildcats’ defense was on the field way too long. Alpena ran a combined seven plays on two series in the third quarter, but Escanaba was held to just a field goal.

The All-Knowing-One sees the Blue Devils as a young team, growing through growing pains. The Wildcats hope to inflict some more pain with a solid ground game that features on errors.

Swami Sez: Alpena 28, Sault Ste. Marie 13.

POSEN (1-0) at CEDARVILLE (1-0) – Thursday – Posen had to work hard for an opening night victory, whereas Cedarville rolled past Rudyard.

What does it mean for either squad? The Trojans had more to lose with a loss. Swami sees the Trojans as contenders for the conference crown, not to say Posen isn’t.

The Trojans might have a diamond in the rough, as junior quarterback Trey Norris played like a veteran, completing 11 of 18 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Norris also ran for 57 yards. Norris was cool in the pocket, taking advantage of what Rudyard gave him. Gunnar Fountain was his favorite target with 112 yards and he made good use of halfback Chase Massy, hooking up three times.

Posen got a tough test against Flint Michigan School for the Deaf, but used its ground game to pull out a win. Darren Dubie put a dagger in the heart of Flint MSD, refusing to be tackled on a 65-yard TD in the third quarter. Dubie finished with 187 yards on 12 carries. Dylan Schuch amassed 243 yards and scored twice. Levi Romel tossed in 130 yards and accounted for three more scores.

Swami feels this might be one of those games that comes down to the final play. The All-Knowing-One can see that both teams have high octane offenses, which tends to leave very little in the tank of the defense. Swami sees this game as a very high scoring affair.

Swami Sez: Posen 52, Cedarville 48.

ALCONA (0-1) at HILLMAN (0-1) – Thursday – Hillman knew the first two games of the season were going to be a true test. It could be said the Tigers had a failing grade in their opener. The goal this week is to get a passing grade.

Hillman quarterback Billy Kolcan did what he could, picking up 101 yards on 12 carries, but Hillman couldn’t score. Kory Henigan led the defensive charge with nine tackles. Judging from coach Bill Koenig’s comments, the Tigers must take advantage of scoring opportunities to be successful.

Mistakes that held Alcona back from a win on opening night. A comeback attempt fell short in a 35-30 loss to Tawas. The Tigers refused to give up, but the damage was done over the first three and a half quarters.

Jack and Tim Hutchinson spear headed the attempt, scoring two touchdowns in just a shade over two minutes. Brock Franklin added to his rushing total with 145 yards. Cody Schram led Alcona’s defense with 14 tackles, while Alex Stephenson had 12.

Swami can see another ground battle that will determine the outcome. If one or both teams can play error fren, then the All-Knowing-One thinks the game is up for grabs. Swami has a feeling turnovers will still be there, but it comes down to which teams makes the fewest mistakes.

Swami Sez: Alcona 24, Hillman 18.

ROSCOMMON (1-0) at MIO (0-1) – Thursday – Mio had little to show for its effort last week Whittemore-Prescott. A late touchdown was the only offense the Thunderbolts could muster. Roscommon used a formidable rushing game and went straight back to work with a win over Grayling.

Trey Lewandowski and Gabe Stern combined for a record 60 carries for the Bucks while combining for 303 yards. Swami can see a problem here for Mio. The Thunderbolts had a defense that was put to work and the All-Knowing-One believes the tandem of Lewandowski and Stern will not let up.

The remaining schedule for the Thunderbolts is more favorable. The only way this game can turn into a win for Mio is if both the offense and defense play picture perfect ball. But if the Thunderbolts play like they did last week, then it will be another long night. The All-Knowing-One sees the Bucks running away with another win.

Swami Sez: Roscommon 35, Mio 8.