Zeeland West football team will play nine-game schedule in 2008

The Zeeland West football team will play a full, nine-game schedule this fall.

The Dux have filled an open date with an Aug. 28 home game against Inkster, Zeeland West athletic director Mark Werley said.

“We’ll be playing a good team in our opener,” Werley said. “They’re well coached.”
The 7 p.m. game will be played at Zeeland Stadium.

Zeeland West coach John Shillito praised Inkster. The Vikings posted a 1-7 record last season but went 12-2 and finished as Division 6 state runner-up in 2006.

Inkster also had a 9-3 record in 2005.

Inkster has more than just a solid football program, Shillito said.

“They have a terrific coach in Greg Carter,” Shillito said of Carter, who is also the school’s athletic director. “Carter has not only enjoyed success at Inkster, but before that at (Detroit) St. Martin dePorres.”

Shillito looks forward to playing teams like Inkster.

“We kind of struggled to fill that (opening) game spot, but we’re excited about that game,” Shillito said. “It will be a very good opener for us.”

The Dux may also have their hands full in their second game against Coopersville.
“Coopersville is a very good team,” Shillito said. “They’ll be one of better teams in Division 4.”

Zeeland West’s third and fourth games against Hudsonville Unity Christian and Hamilton will not be easy either, he added.

“Unity Christian and Hamilton will be two other challenges for us,” Shillito said. “It will be interesting to see how our young and inexperienced guys come out of the gate.

“For us it’s about making progress and getting better throughout the year.”
Zeeland West also will host a 4 p.m. junior varsity game against Inkster on Aug. 28.