Airport starts early with midnight exercises

CARLETON – The 2023 season was like a party for the airport’s football team.

The Jets had one of the best seasons in school history, finishing 10-2, claiming a share of the Huron League title since 2011 and winning two games in the state playoffs before being eliminated in the regional final.

The party continued until the early hours of Monday morning.

The bright lights shone, cheerleaders cheered on the players and the speakers at the airport’s football stadium blared rock, rap and country music as the Jets got a head start on the competition with a midnight practice to open training camp.

“I’m very excited,” said Derek Anderson, who will replace his former high school teammate Jim Duffy as Airport’s head coach in the fall. “The kids kept the atmosphere going all night. I’m very happy.”

This was not the first time Anderson had conducted a midnight rehearsal.

That’s what he always did when he was head coach at Melvindale a few years ago.

But this time it was different. He coached his alma mater and introduced his new team to the fans in his hometown.

Anderson was pleased with what he saw.

“We have a good group of seniors who are growing into leadership roles,” he said. “They want to do things right.”

The focus of the opening training was on defense.

That’s how Anderson likes it. Last season he was the Jets’ defensive coordinator.

The new coach showed boundless energy and constantly challenged the players to give their best, even on opening day.

The players didn’t need much encouragement.

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From the moment they entered the field at 0:01 a.m., the excitement was palpable.

“It was a great atmosphere,” said Tyler Furman. “We’re really happy that everyone came. It was a great start to the new year.”

“It was really fun,” said my classmate Zakary VanBuskirk. “People really came out to support us. It was a lot of fun.”

Isaac Kemp, another senior who will lead the Jets’ defense along with Furman and VanBuskirk, felt the focus on day one was on making the right play.

“It was definitely interesting,” he said of the early start. “Most of the energy is in defense.”

And Airport’s defense will be tested early. The Jets begin with four straight games against teams that were in the playoffs last year, including an opener on Aug. 29 against Carlson.

The Marauders are led by Izaiah Wright, who ran for 1,965 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last season.

After this game, Airport will play test games against Riverview, Flat Rock and St. Mary Catholic Central.

“Our first four weeks are tough,” Furman said. “We start against Izaiah Wright and Carlson. We have to be ready.”

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