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After a shortened year of football, Swami hopes for a return to normal. How this year will shake up is to be guessed. The All-Knowing-One takes the train of thought one game at a time. He’s got the crystal ball, but it’s not a match against the virus. He is hoping for a full season with a playoffs, so that players, fans and parents can enjoy it.
ALPENA (0-0) at MARQUETTE (0-0) – Thursday – 7 p.m. – Both teams start early. Last season was a mixed one for both teams: the Redmen advanced to the regional playoff final, compiling a fine 7-2 record. The Wildcats fought hard in every game, but didn’t get a victory.
The Redmen are looking to reload, but they have a solid base with three returning all-staters: Austin Ridl, Justin Jurmu and defensive back Desmond Mullen. Ridl has been under center for the past three seasons and is looking to add players like Jurmu, David Eberhard, Jordan DeMay and Owen Beauchamp to his aerial distance.
Alpena coach Eric Mitchell is hoping the dressing room leadership continues on the pitch. If so, life could be interesting for opponents. The best weapon to lead the attack is senior Everett Zann. The quarterback position is a luxury for the Wildcats, the competition has been so close that no starters have been announced. The receiving core will be led by Mason Mumford, Brady Niedzwiecki, Jordan Duncan and Kayden Budnick capable of picking up big yards.
Swami Sez: Marquette 35, Alpena 13.
OSCODA (0-0) at TAWAS (0-0) – Thursday – 7 p.m. – This rivalry has seen Oscoda walk away with the News-Press trophy for five consecutive years. The Braves are at the end of the streak on their home turf. Oscoda enjoyed one of its best seasons last year, scoring nine wins and winning a district trophy. The Braves went the other way. A win tonight would do wonders for the program. For Oscoda, last year’s seniors set the bar very high for sophomores and juniors as they helped them gain experience, while also giving young Owls a taste of the world. Victoire.
The loss of experience doesn’t make the owls any less of a challenge for Tawas. Throughout the series the games have been tight and well played. Swami doesn’t expect anything different tonight.
Swami Sez: Oscoda 18, Tawas 14.
ONAWAY (0-0) at LACS INTERÉRIEURES (0-0) – Friday – 7 p.m. – It doesn’t get better than that, opening weekend. Inexperienced Cardinals against a preverbal powerhouse in the Bulldogs. Onaway has only two returning starters and is without defensive end Jager Mix, who is recovering from injury. Swami says the Cardinals will have big shoes to fill, but coach Steve Klinge is counting on a replacement to do the trick. Aside from defense, Onaway has a big question in the quarterback with Jadin Mix and Brendon Brewbaker vying for the start. One thing the Cardinals have going for them are options as both players are versatile. Trey Prince will anchor the offensive line. Sophomore Gavin Green flourished on the offensive and defensive side of the ball after getting some time on the grass last fall.
The Cardinals will get a first measure of their position. The All-Knowing-One loves the Cardinals attitude, but the games are where you can see how good you are and where knowledge is put to the test.
Swami Sez: Inland Lakes 27, Onaway 12.
ALCONA (0-0) at HILLMAN (0-0) – Friday – 7 p.m. – You never know what to expect from a start. For Alcona there will be an adjustment from 11-player football to 8-player football. The game is much faster and everyone needs to be in top form.
Coach Jason Somers sees the opening game as a fresh start. With the change of personnel, there has to be a change in the offensive pattern. With a spread attack, Michael Basner and Jesse Sheldon will see most of the races. The Tigers will begin their first year as quarterback at Garrett Somers. Jeremiah Bullis and Collin Walker are expected to make their presence known as wide receiver. Most of the Alcona team are young, but Swami believes that Alcona should be well stocked for years to come.
Hillman is no stranger and has a good core to start with, especially with veterans like Sean Henigan and Jeff Klein.
Swami Sez: Alcona 21, Hillman 16.
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