Panthers have enjoyed the taste of winning titles

Seventh in a series of DODEA-Pacific high school football previews.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Yokota has hung back-to-back Far East Division II football banners in the gym, but capturing those championships wasn’t easy.

The Panthers finished in fourth place in the 2024 regular season, then they caught fire. They won the semifinal and title games, each on the road, including a 22-10 comeback win in the final at Matthew C. Perry, a game in which they trailed 10-0 after three periods.

And they did it again last Oct. 24, again on the road, winning the 2025 D-II title 44-20, also at Perry.

“They learned how to win,” coach Michael Woodworth said. “It takes dealing with adversity. It takes learning how to keep a lead. Last season, we had some players back from 2024 who matured, and it all clicked in the championship. Now they have two titles under their belt.”

Could it become three in a row?

“I don’t even want to consider it,” said Woodworth, in his 12th year of coaching football in some capacity, including the last four as Yokota’s head coach. “It’s Division II football. You never know. We all rebuild our teams every year.”

One thing the Panthers have going for them: They’re rich in quarterbacks, with senior Luke Beck, sophomore Liam Douglas and freshman Keito Kawamura-Johnson.

The latter has Woodworth very excited, adding that he reminds Woodworth of 2016 Yokota graduate Marcus Henagan.

“His passes whistle through the air and he’s extremely accurate,” Woodworth said of Kawamura-Johnson. “Considering we threw the ball maybe six times last year, we might throw more.”

Yokota also has a wealth of running backs in seniors Kysiem Banks and Quincy Brown and junior Kaito Wilson. Newcomers Tytus Kosturbala, a senior, and his sophomore brother Ryken will line up at receiver. “They’re both athletes,” Woodworth said.

It may have been Banks who ignited a turnaround for Yokota. His 99-yard fumble-return touchdown led a Panthers comeback win in 2023 over Osan.

“It’s a blessing to be one of Yokota’s big names,” Banks said.

But the Panthers aren’t counting any new championships just yet. “We’re super excited, but we have work to do,” Brown said.

Yokota opens its three-peat bid with a road contest Aug. 29 at Osan.

“Do we have the weapons and ability (to win three straight)? Absolutely. The cupboard is definitely not bare,” Woodworth said.

Senior Luke Beck is one of three Yokota quarterbacks; Kysiem Banks is in his fourth season with the Panthers. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)

Yokota Panthers

2025 season record — 4-2 overall.

Head coach — Michael Woodworth, fifth season, 19-12 overall.

Championships — 15 DODEA-Japan titles, two Far East Division I titles 2011-12, two Far East D-II championships 2024-25.

Returning players — 13.

Returning starters — 12.

Key performers — Kysiem Banks, Sr., RB-WR-DB-KR; Tytus Kosturbala, Sr., WR-FB; Ryken Kosturbala, So., WR-LB; Lucious Como, Jr., LB-TE; Liam Douglas, So., QB; Quincy Brown, Sr., RB-LB-DE; Luke Beck, Sr., QB; Keito Kawamura-Johnson, Fr., QB; Kaito Wilson, Jr., RB-FS-CB-KR (transferred from Hawaii); Isaiah Cedeno, Jr., L; Mitchell Powell, Jr., RB-LB.

Strengths — Championship culture. Experience and size in the line and backfield. Three quarterbacks. A handful of freshmen who will contribute right away, such as Kawamura-Johnson.

Drawbacks — Still plenty of youngsters who need plenty of reps to get up to speed. In many respects, Division II teams are always rebuilding.

Overview — Contending. The Panthers didn’t just win but learned how to win the last couple of seasons. Learned how to come from behind, learned how to hold a lead and also learned not to take things for granted. Could become the first Yokota football team to win three straight Far East titles.

2026 season schedule

Saturday, Aug. 29

Yokota at Osan

Friday, Sept. 4

Yokota at Zama

Friday, Sept. 11

Matthew C. Perry at Yokota

Friday, Sept. 18

Robert D. Edgren at Yokota

Friday, Sept. 25

Yokota at Perry

Friday, Oct. 2

Zama at Yokota

Friday, Oct. 23

Championship: No. 2 at No. 1, teams, time and site to be determined.