Life is not easy all the time. You have your setbacks, times when nothing goes right, but in the end it is the impression that you leave with others. It is those little things they can look back at and remember that will help them through the rough spots.

Football can be taken in the same vein. Most players play four years and once their playing days are over, they leave impressions on younger players.

Let’s see if lasting impressions make a difference in this week’s column.

ALPENA (1-5) at FLINT POWERS (2-4) — 7 p.m. — Friday — Alpena’s opening drive summed up what happened against Gaylord. The Wildcats marched their opening possession down deep in the red zone, before the Blue Devils defense stiffened up with an interception. The Blue Devils chewed up yardage and clock in a 35-0 win. Gaylord only had three passing attempts as the Blue Devils systematically rushed their way to the win. Gaylord’s defense completely shut Alpena down, holding it to less than 100 yards of total offense.

Detroit Country Day had the number of Flint Powers, sending the Chargers to their third straight loss. It is hard to judge the validity of Powers’ offensive talent. The Chargers offense has relied on the run with an occasional pass. Swami says this could play into Alpena’s hands, but their Achilles’ heel has been pass coverage. The Chargers have a very young team and lack of depth has plunged them to another losing season.

Swami has a thought that the Wildcats will have a breakout game, but he is not sure if it will be tonight.

Swami Sez: Flint Powers 24, Alpena 21.

ROGERS CITY (6-0) at MIO (3-3) — Friday — 7 p.m. — Rogers City takes its undefeated record on the road for the second consecutive week. A win tonight will almost assure them of a home playoff game.

A return of the opening kickoff for a touchdown by Nathan Hurst gave Mio hope against No. 9 Au Gres team. It was short lived as the Wolverines rolled to a 66-30 win. The Wolverine defense shut down Mio’s aerial attack of the Thunderbolts until the second half. Quarterback Austin Fox finished 14-of-27 for 314 yards and three touchdowns. In doing so, he hit Hurst for 132 yards and Gage Long for 163. Swami says if Mio pulls off the upset, it will through the air.

With that said, the All-Knowing-One saw Rogers City completely throttle Whittemore-Prescott’s passing attack. Hurons Isaac Paul was a one-man wrecking crew demolishing the Cardinal defense on the ground with 256 yards and four touchdowns. Hayden Hentkowski also contributed two scores.

Swami sees a classic ground game, chewing up the clock versus a quick strike passing attack.

Swami Sez: Rogers City 40, Mio 32.

AU GRES (5-1) at ALCONA (6-0) — Friday — 7 p.m. — With both Au Gres and Alcona firmly cemented in the playoff picture, this game is for bragging rights in the North Star League. Alcona outdueled Inland Lakes to remain perfect last week and Au Gres took care of business against Mio.

The Wolverines’ Keagan Bender low center of gravity allowed him to punish defenders in picking up 255 yards, four touchdowns on only 14 carries in addition to turning two receptions into another 58 yards. Quarterback Carter Zeien mixed the pass and run for 345 yards, accounting for five more touchdowns.

Alcona took advantage of five turnovers and 16 penalties in a 50-40 win. Quarterback Garrett Somers did not do anything to hurt his 75% completion rate to this point of the season in the win and Jeremiah Bullis and Collin Walker are two of his favorite receivers.

Swami says if the Tigers can contain Bender and have either one of their two big receivers break free, it will be a long night for Au Gres’ defense.

Swami Sez: Alcona 35, Au Gres 30

HILLMAN (2-4) at ATLANTA (2-4) — Thursday — 7 p.m. — Hillman and Atlanta are still hoping to finish the season strong and this is a winnable game for both. The Tigers are coming off an impressive win over Hale and the Huskies won over Charleton Heston.

Hillman freshman Easton Hunt returned to the backfield after being banged up against Au Gres and ran for two touchdowns. The combination of quarterback A.J. Jones to wide receiver Trenton Taratuta kept the two adding to their touchdown numbers.

Atlanta quarterback T.J. Currie has been on a roll. Against Charleton Heston, he was 11-of-23 for 232 yards and accounted for six touchdowns.

Swami says if the Huskies’ can keep that output going there are not too many teams that will be able to defeat them. The backfield of Gage Cheedie, Landon Galea, Hughin Current and Currie have put up some hefty numbers as well.

This very well could be a high-scoring game for a contest this magnitude.

Swami Sez: Hillman 54, Atlanta 48.