Blackhawks will try to reprise their title-winning season

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

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — Humphreys’ cupboard is anything but bare.

OK, so their quarterback and coach of the last three seasons are gone, as is the Blackhawks’ two-year tailback.

New head coach Tyrone Powers says he’s confident the defending Far East Division I champion have everything it needs to contend for back-to-back titles, which would be a school first in football.

Unlike past years when the Blackhawks entered the season as underdogs, they now carry the bull’s-eye front and back, thanks to their 9-0 D-I final victory last October at Kubasaki.

“We accept it,” said Powers, a retired Army colonel who also runs Humphreys’ JROTC battalion. He takes over for Reggie Meno.

“I don’t feel any pressure regardless. What you did last year, there is no carryover. We have to line up and play football,” Powers said.

They’ll do that with senior Marek Allen at quarterback. He saw some reps last season when playing behind three-year starter Bradley Miller and is now the full-time guy.

“I’m very confident of our players’ abilities,” Allen said. “It’s going to take the whole team as a unit.”

Brian Taylor, a senior who played a huge role in the 2025 D-I title game, is also back, and echoes his coach’s views on carrying the mantle of defending champion into the season.

“It’s a new year,” Taylor said. “We can’t look back. We have to put those behind us and move forward. It’s going to take the whole unit, intensity, speed, tenacity; it’s going to take everybody.”

Humphreys also returns some experience in the line in seniors Josh Castanares and Killian Carmody. Castanares might also see some time at fullback, Powers said.

What Allen and Taylor bring to the table, Powers said, is leadership, among other qualities.

“Taylor “goes hard every play. He has a high football IQ. Anticipation. He’s physical, but the mental part of the game is his strongest aspect.”

Allen played several positions last season, playing solidly on both sides of the ball, Powers said.

“His experience, his leadership, his toughness,” Powers said. “He’s cool, calm and collected.”

The Blackhawks begin play Saturday at Kadena, a team Humphreys will also host for homecoming in October.

“I expect to win every time we step on the field,” Powers said.

Senior quarterback Marek Allen and the Blackhawks have their eyes on trying to win back-to-back titles. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)

Humphreys Blackhawks

2025 season record — 4-4 overall.

Head coach — Tyrone Powers, first season.

Championships — 2017 Division II. 2025 D-I title.

Returning players — 13.

Returning starters — 6.

Key performers — Brian Taylor, Sr., WR; Marek Allen, Sr., QB-wing-OLB; Josh Castanares, Sr., G-DT-FB; Killian Carmody, Sr., OT-DT; Dallas Hunter, Jr., WR-RB-LB; Broderick Carmody, So., UT.

Strengths — Smart group of players, physical and much speed, particularly in the skills positions.

Drawbacks — None to speak of, other than a new head coach and new quarterback taking over.

Overview — Contending. “One thousand percent,” Powers says. They have the championship bull’s-eye on front and back, but they also have the tools, size, speed and mental aspect to contend for back-to-back titles.

2026 season schedule

Saturday, Aug. 29

Humphreys at Kadena

Friday, Sept. 4

American School In Japan at Humphreys

Saturday, Sept. 19

Humphreys at Kubasaki

Saturday, Oct. 3

Humphreys at Nile C. Kinnick

Saturday, Oct. 10

Kadena at Humphreys

Saturday, Oct. 24

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