FeedsInkster returns full force
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Inkster linemen run through drills in the last day of football camp last week before preparing for the season opener at Zeeland West at 7 p.m. today.Inkster football coach and athletic director Greg Carter is trying not to think about last season.
His Vikings dominated every team they played last year. Inkster was one game away from a perfect season and was preparing for a strong run in the post season with its sights set on Ford Field.
What’s not to like?
Everything was on track and the Vikings looked destined to be crowned state champs. That was until Carter received a phone call from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), notifying Carter that he must forfeit his eight wins for allegedly playing an ineligible player—one that was said to be 20 years old.
The player’s paperwork showed him to be overage but it was due to a clerical error made halfway around the world. Carter proved the allegations wrong but it was too late. The next day Inkster walked onto the field for their final game as the best winless team in the state and missed the playoffs with a revised 1-8 record.
That still looms heavy on Carter and hangs over Inkster.
That explains why redemption was heavy in the air last week at the Inkster Viking football practice.
“It really was tough,” Carter said of last season. “We’ve been really careful trying to dot the ‘i’s’ and cross the ‘t’s’. We’re being as cautious and thorough as we possibly can after last year. We’re trying to use last year as a learning experience.”
From a coaching point of view it might be a blessing in disguise.
“I think it was motivation for the coaching staff,” he added. “Last year was my 30th year coaching. This kind or reenergized things and has me excited about coaching again. I want to prove that we aren’t cheaters and that we are good football coaches. I’m using it as a motivation to really make this team special.”
Inkster is a different team this year. Quarterback Aaron Shavers graduated and is now at Akorn University. Renty Rollins, Derrick Coker, Josh Howard, Javier Reed and Clay Burley are just a few of the impact players that left the team to graduation this year.
The off-season has been good to Inkster. With academic courses like the Academy program that allows students to take college level courses and get college credit for it, transfer enrollment is way up, according to Carter. Inkster might even move up to Division 3.
Influx of transfers helped bring in students that also want to be athletes.
One of those is talented senior running back Alan Freeman formerly of Wayne Memorial High School. Freeman is fast and athletic and the top running back heading into the season.
“The energy here is so different,” Freeman said of his new school. “People here just want to win. I’m most excited about Ford Field—the whole team is excited about that. We have to get through week one first—one game at a time.”
“Alan is doing really well,” Carter said of the January transfer. “He’s doing well academically and he fits in well with our team. He’s a super player and really good kid.”
Senior wide receivers Eric Williams and Antwain Calloway also transferred from Wayne.
Inkster also has a talented quarterback in Devin Gardner who transferred from Uof D last November. As a junior he’s already turned the heads at several Big Ten schools, according to Carter.
He’s big at 6-foot-4 and can throw the ball. His teammate Cameron Gordon, a wide receiver, came to Inkster, too.
Senior Jaisaun Holt, from Melvindale, is battling Gardner for the starting position.
“They have all been cleared by the state to play,” Carter said. “We’re not taking any chances. If there is a question about anything I send the paperwork to the state and let them make the decision.”
Retuning players include linebacker Darnell Morrison, cornerback Desean McGhee, Denzel Richmond at fullback and linebacker and Andre Willis anchors the offensive line at center and will play at linebacker.
The offensive line is the biggest question mark with only a few returning players, said Carter.
“If we’re lucky enough to get some wins early and gain some momentum and our defense plays well enough to give our offense time to gel we’re going to be a special team,” Carter said. “We’re going to change the defense a little bit. We feel we have to be a little more active on defense. Offensively we’re going to try and be about the same. It’s going to be hard because we have some really good skill guys.”
Inkster outscored two-time Division 1 state champion Macomb Dakota in a scrimmage last week without a solid offensive lineup.
“We were a little shaky but we held our own,” Carter said. “The defense looked pretty good.”
Inkster’s schedule is pretty tough with only three home games this year.
“Our challenge is if we get this together before we take some early losses,” Carter said. “Our schedule is pretty tough the first two weeks. If we can get lucky and win early we’re going to be tough late.”
Inkster opens the season at Zeeland West at 7 p.m. today. The Vikings’ home opener is against Highland Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.
