Zama returns four of five starting linemen and all its skills positions from a season ago, but must settle on a No. 1 quarterback. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Fifth in a series of preseason looks at DODEA-Pacific football programs.
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – In the last three full seasons, Zama has featured the highest-scoring offense in DODEA-Pacific Division II football, averaging more than 244 points.
This season, coach Scott Bolin feels his defense, which allowed just 47 points last season, could be even better.
“Our defense is a monster,” said Bolin, the Trojans’ eighth-year coach, last Saturday. “We’re 12 days into camp and they’re as game-ready as you can get. They are well-coached and very physical.”
It doesn’t hurt that the Trojans return four of their five starting interior linemen on both sides of the ball.
Anchoring the defense at the middle-linebacker slot is Caleb Schmiedel, a senior who also lines up at tight end.
Bolstering the receiver ranks are seniors Jeremiah Georges and Keahnu Araki, while senior Hiroki Davis can be shifty and elusive out of the backfield and is a quick presence at the safety spot.
Quarterback may be the one question mark; thus, Bolin says at least for the first two games, he’ll juggle a pair of sophomores, William Schmiedel and Ayden Helton, in the shotgun of the Trojans’ spread-option set.
“They might be young and green, but they have shown a great acumen for the system. We’ll use those first couple of games to get them what they need,” Bolin said.
“They’re also surrounded by experienced players, and we have an exceptional line in front of them.”
Overall, the Trojans still have what Bolin feels makes them competitive. “But it will look different,” he said. “We’re tailoring our system to the personnel we have.”
Zama went 7-0 and outscored its opponents 233-47 last season. But with this being the first time with a Far East D-II championship back in play since 2019, each game bears a certain amount of importance, Bolin said.
“Every game is a championship game,” he said. “Every game matters. There are no easy games. Every game means something. There are still things we need to do to get to be excellent. If we can get to elite, we have a shot to contend for the Far East banner.”
Eighth-year Zama head coach Scott Bolin talks things over with William Schmiedel, one of two sophomore quarterbacks vying for the starting job. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Zama senior lineman Greg Horton cools down during a water break. Intense summer heat has caused black-flag conditions on bases around Japan, forcing teams to begin practice later in the day. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Zama Trojans
2022 season record — 7-0.
Head coach — Scott Bolin, eighth season (11th year with program), 23-28 overall.
Championships — Far East Division II titles in 2009, 2012 and 2019. Shared Kanto Plain title with American School In Japan in 1994. Won DODEA-Japan title in 2009 and 2022.
Returning players — 20.
Returning starters — 20.
Key performers — Greg Horton, Sr., L; Hiroki Davis, Sr., RB-S; Jeremiah Georges, Sr., WR; Connor Lape, Sr., RB; Keahnu Araki, Sr., WR-S; Caleb Schmiedel, Sr., TE-MLB; William Schmiedel, So., QB; Ayden Helton, So., QB; Jacob Van Sickle, So., C (transferred from Matthew C. Perry).
Strengths — Strong defense. Four of five starters return in the interior, both guards, both tackles.
Drawbacks — Quarterbacks are young and inexperienced.
Overview — Contending. With the experience in the line and at skills positions, it’s a matter of settling on a No. 1 quarterback and picking up where they left off last season.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 1
Zama at Matthew C. Perry
Friday, Sept. 8
Zama at Robert D. Edgren
Friday, Sept. 15
Daegu at Zama
Friday, Sept. 22
American School In Japan at Zama
Friday, Sept. 29
Edgren at Zama
Friday, Oct. 6
Yokota at Zama
Friday, Oct. 20
Zama at Osan
