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Labor Day weekend, the end of summer or so says the ads offering extra special on anything and everything. Why is Labor Day picked for the end of beautiful warm days? The All-Knowing-One feels there will be summer like conditions for the next month at least. For stores it is one last chance to move merchandise, so they can restock the shelves with fall and winter items. For Swami, he feels the true reason for Labor Day is lost. When you look at the meaning of the day, it states a federal holiday to honor the American worker and the contributions they have made. It has nothing to do with the end of summer. We have lost the real meaning, honoring those who have gone before us and the present working people.
One might say how does this come into play, in a football column? Simple, the present high school football players work every day, to make themselves better players. These players have been laboring for at least the last month, if not longer. The most of them have been through the long grueling practices for four years. Swami feels that might be another reason, why games are being played on Thursday, before the holiday weekend. It makes a lot more sense, to give the players a day off from work, before the start of school and the practices that follow for the remainder of the season. Let’s see if Swami can show fruits of his week of labor…..
ALPENA (1-0) at CADILLAC (0-1) – Thursday – 7:00 p.m. – Alpena did something they had dreamed of for the last handful of seasons, produce a win in the opener. Alpena played a complete game on offense and defense. The Wildcats on a time consuming 11 play drive, of 62 yards, found the endzone on a 21-yard run by Andrew Szymoniak for a 6-0 lead. It was a lead that held up until the midway point of the third quarter, which was a feat for the Wildcats. Momentum only continued to roll Alpena’s way, with Szymoniak scoring on runs of 23, 45 and a one-yard scamper, enroute to his 169 yards on the night. Another marked improvement is the interior line play, that allowed the backs to find the holes in Boyne City’s defense. Defensive played extremely well, creating two critical turnovers as the Ramblers were working deep in Wildcat territory, Xavier Szymoniak and Brody Misiak recovered fumbles in the red zone, to turn the Ramblers away. Zach Orban would seal the win with an interception on the last possession of the Ramblers. Alpena played error free ball with Eli Werth, Chad Eaves and Tre Dean making big plays making big plays on defense. Now Swami has to say, they must produce the same type of game plan, facing conference foe, Cadillac, who have been a torn in the side of Alpena, with air tight defense, and a slinging offense.
The Vikings opened their season on Thursday with a 29-22 loss to Portland, a perennial powerhouse. Cadillac matched the opposition offensively, except with a last-minute TD; that did not allow the Vikings to respond. Quarterback Dom Wing hit Ivan Metzger with a 26-yard strike for their opening touchdown. The two combined for a 65-yard pass play that found the endzone. The shifty Wing also had time to scamper in from 5 yards out. The on-target Wing had 12 completions good for 204 yards through the air. In addition, Wing had time to rush for 34 yards and a TD. Dave Nobles and Metzger were the main targets in the passing game. Nobles did not only have an offensive game, but recorded eight tackles on defense. Eli Wilson stopped two Portland drives with a fumble recovery and a sack. Linebackers Ryan Koch and Kameron Cade finished the night with 10 and eight tackles for the Vikings.
The question of the night, can the Wildcats duplicate the effort they displayed in the opener? Swami has to say the defensive backs and linebackers cannot afford the big plays of the Viking aerial attack. Cadillac offense will attempt to lull you to sleep with the run and a short passing attack, before exploiting with a deep passing attack. In years past, it was enough to destroy your confidence on defense. The must be mindful of this and not cave in, otherwise it is going to be a long night. The All-Knowing-One hates to say this but, with the Vikings coming off a loss at home, against a power, Cadillac will be looking to avenge the opening loss.
Swami Sez: Cadillac 28, Alpena 24.
MIO (1-0) at HILLMAN (0-1) -THURSDAY – 7:00 p.m. – Hillman is hoping home field will be on their side, in hopes to even their record. The Tigers ran into a buzz saw in the form of Inland Lakes, which is not the kind of start they were looking for. Hillman has good numbers as to the roster, the only drawback is the senior leadership of Eli Schultz, Eddie Prue and Richard Savone will have to take a team of 17 underclassmen under their wings. Junior Cameron Nowak is the only other Tiger with varsity experience, playing wide receiver and safety on defense. A stacked Inland Lakes team showed no mercy on the Tigers, taking a lopsided 46-8 win. In the loss, quarterback Prue was limited to only 12 passing attempts, netting 80 yards, with the majority of the receiving yardage coming from Nowak with 62 yards. The Bulldog defense did not allow the Tiger offense to get untracked and when they did it was for only minimal yardage.
Mio on the other hand did not have any problems putting points on the board, in addition to a rock-solid defense that kept Atlanta scoreless. Unlike the Tigers, Mio has a very good nucleus of players coming back for their senior season. They have already shown their leadership in the win over the Huskies. The Thunderbolts started out slow in the game with Atlanta. A 30-yard pass play from Logan Fox to Garrett Fox finally put the wheels in motion on offense. Logan Fox completed the drive with a one-yard run seconds before the half ended. The Thunderbolts had everything going for them in the second half scoring four times in a variety of ways, while the defense stonewalled the Husky offense for a shutout win. Quarterback Logan Fox directed the offense on an 8 for 12 passing night for 221 yards, and three TD’s, in addition to two rushing scores on just six carries. Landen Fritz was the favorite receiver on this night with 127 yards, with Garrett Fox was close behind with 96 yards. Beckett Champagne also got into the scoring act, heaving a 45-yard touchdown pass. It was a team effort on defense, with Atreyu Burden and Logan Fox leading in tackles, with Brock Stewart not far behind. Burden in addition had an interception, as well as Garrison Kann. Wyatt and Aspen Knepp rounded out the defensive gem with a sack and fumble recovery. With an 8-2 record last season, the Thunderbolts looking to keep their record clean this season, by avenging a 30-12 loss to the Tigers. With a 24-member squad, every position on the offensive side and defensive, will have upper classman playing. In addition, the Thunderbolts can change out the entire unit if needed. So, Swami has to say Mio has the advantage for every game played this season. He feels the only way this isn’t true, is if they self-destruct in a game situation.
Swami Sez: Mio 42, Hillman 21.
INLAND LAKES (1-0) at ONAWAY (0-1) – Thursday – 7:00 p.m. – Inland Lakes is looking for another banner season, whereas Onaway is hoping to build on a three-win season. The Cardinals opener against Rogers City set them back a step, now they another home game to right the ship. It is not going to be easy, going up against a senior laden Bulldog squad. The Cardinals had an excellent game plan, but the Hurons had a better, via the pass route. Everyone knew what they had to do and knew what coverage they had to be in, to control the passing attack of Rogers City. The Hurons had other ideas striking within the first minute of play. The Cardinals started to go out of the coverage areas, as the communication broke down as to what they were in. Offensively, Onaway had difficulty moving the ball in the first half, with way too many three and out sets. In turn, the burden was placed on the defense which wore down, ending in defeat. The night was not completely bleak, offensively the Cardinals started to move the ball. Running back, Kayson Jarvis capped one of those series with a short run that ended the drought, with a touchdown. Senior Zach Schmoldt added to the touchdown total, with two of his own, one that went for 19 yards. Jackson Hartvigson and Phineas Benson were pillars on defense. With the effort in the second half, the Cardinals have to feel they can win games, giving them that much needed incentive. They have to have that same feeling from the first play of the game, through the last, that will go a long way in erasing the loss to Rogers City.
Landon Fenstermaker like he has done for the last three years, can put his talents on display, like he did against Hillman. He has the ability to make the big play, whether it is with the pass or the use of his legs to gain large chunks of yardage. Perfect example, he tossed a couple of touchdown passes, before handing the ball off to Alyx Willis, who also scored two with one being a 27-yard jaunt. Collin Maves got into the act going 66-yards, while Hunter Drake closed out the rushing attack with a short run. Fenstermaker also kept his receivers busy; Landen Perkins and Tanner Howard hauled in scoring strikes. The Bulldogs might have lost experience through graduation, but this year’s squad is led by another talented group of incoming seniors, which will lead Inland Lakes to an excellent season and beyond.
Swami has a notion that the Cardinals will start out the game strong, and not wait until the second half as they did last week. The schedule is definitely not in the favor of the Cardinals, as they are playing the toughest teams that can be placed on a schedule. Onaway by looking at it, has to wait until week 4 before it is felt that they would be on level playing field.
Swami Sez: Inland Lakes 32, Onaway 18.
PELLSTON (0-1) at ALCONA (0-1) – Thursday – 7:00 p.m. – It was a short week for both Pellston and Alcona to attempt to get in the win column. Both the Hornets and Tigers suffered lopsided losses. Pellston made a big decision not join the new Bridge Alliance Conference. It was decided the best for Pellston was to play as an independent. Both avenues had their pros and cons. By going this route, the Hornets will have a chance to see different teams and teams that are strong. The Hornets are led by three-year starting quarterback Brett Bonter, who is also the starting middle linebacker. Another senior Sam O’Neil plays on both sides of the ball as well and is considered one of the leaders of the team. Pistol Edwards anchors the offensive line at center. Juniors Josiah DeLong and Hunter Brandt will share the backfield duties. Levi Nichols is expected to anchor the offensive line. Outside of the returning players, the Hornets will have to rely on younger players to solidify a team effort. This season might be learning season, not necessarily a winning one. The opener resulted in a loss to Gaylord St. Mary’s but it was nowhere the point spread the Tigers witnessed.
It is easy to see; the Tigers might have a long season with just three seniors on the team. Zachary Hall’s primary position is cornerback, in addition wide receiver. While Nathan Geddert will anchor both lines, center on offense and defensive end on defense. Central Lake did not back off on offense after the game was well in hand. The Knights defense forced turnovers early and often. Central Lake forced the hand of the Tigers early forcing six interceptions; one was returned for a touchdown. The other five were eventually turned into points by the offense. Anytime the opposition can run 84 plays in a half, you know you are in trouble on the defensive side of the ball. Swami has seen many high school football games and not remembering any team running that number of plays in a game, let alone in a half. The All-Knowing-One has to say it will be hard for the Tigers to erase that game from their minds, regardless of who the opposition is in the next game. He has faith, that in some way or form the Tigers will rise to the occasion.
Swami Sez: Alcona 14, Pellston 6.