Ninth in a series of preseason previews detailing DODEA-Pacific football teams.

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – It’s been rare that players stay with Humphreys’ football team more than two seasons because of shortened accompanied tour lengths for servicemembers in Korea.

That’s changing in coming years – U.S. Forces Korea announced last month that inbound airmen and soldiers with families will be assigned to Korea for three years instead of two.

That should make holding onto players easier and improve the Blackhawks’ chances at chasing Far East Division I championships in future years, third-year Humphreys coach Reggie Meno said.

“We should be able to keep people for a while longer,” which should help with player continuity, experience and consistency, Meno said. “We’ve always had the numbers; it’s a matter of experience.”

For now, the Blackhawks bring back a wealth of experience at the skill positions on offense and in the defensive backfield.

Senior running back Joshua Canion helped Humphreys win two of its last four games by rushing for 712 yards and eight touchdowns on 65 carries. Bradley Miller begins his third season at quarterback; he and Canion have been together for that span.

Seniors Joshua Ward and Von Tucker and junior JoJo Brinkerhoff headline a veteran defensive back corps. John Campos will join Canion in the backfield of Meno’s offense that should be equal parts running and passing.

One problem rests in the line. Only senior Daniel McMillan returns from last year’s starting interior and most likely won’t leave the field. On special teams, senior Reid Kenney possesses a strong right leg.

“That’s pretty much my core,” Meno said of the aforementioned players. “We have a lot of fresh meat, a lot of young kids. Many of them are new to it.”

One bright spot is the return of Wilburt Key as an interior coach, Meno said. “He has brought back a hard-hitting mentality,” he said of Key, whose sons played football for Humphreys and at Kubasaki in the mid- to late-2010s.

Another aspect the Blackhawks have worked on is endurance. “We’re a four-quarter team now,” Canion said. “Last year, we emphasized skill; this year, we’re emphasizing endurance and hard hitting.”

The learning curve may be a bit steep, Canion and Meno said. But if all the pieces fall into place and the Blackhawks can blossom quickly as a team, “we could take it all the way,” Canion said.

Humphreys opens the season Saturday at defending Far East D-I champion Kubasaki.

Humphreys Blackhawks

2024 season record — 2-3 overall and DODEA-Pacific Division I.

Head coach — Reggie Meno, third season.

Returning players — 17.

Returning starters — 8.

Key performers — Bradley Miller, Sr., QB; Joshua Canion, Sr., RB; Brian Taylor, Jr., WR; Von Tucker, Sr., S; Joshua Ward, Sr., CB; JoJo Brinkerhoff, Jr., CB; John Campos, So., RB; Daniel McMillan, Sr., OL-DL; Reid Kenney, Sr., PK.

Strengths — Speed, quickness and experience at skill positions. Miller and Canion have been together going on three seasons. Line coach Wilburt Key returns after a couple of seasons away and brings a hard-hitting philosophy to the team.

Drawbacks — Lack of experience, particularly in the line. Many players are new to the game.

Overview — Rebuilding, as it is pretty much every season for the Blackhawks. Much will rest with how quickly the newcomers spin up into football players.

2025 season schedule

Saturday, Aug. 30

Humphreys at Kubasaki

Saturday, Sept. 6

Humphreys at Nile C. Kinnick

Saturday, Sept. 13

Kubasaki at Humphreys

Saturday, Sept. 20

Humphreys at Kadena

Saturday, Sept. 27

Kadena at Humphreys

Saturday, Oct. 4

Kinnick at Humphreys

Postseason

Saturday, Oct. 25

DODEA-Pacific Division I championship, teams, time and site to be determined.