Kadena Panthers2017 season record — 6-2 overall, 285 points for, 136 points against. Won 23-22 at Nile C. Kinnick for Far East Division I football title.Head coach — Sergio Mendoza, 12th season. 63-16 overall, Pacific-record six D-I titles (2007, ’09-’10, ’14-’15, ’17).Returning players — 14.Returning starters — 11.Key performers — Uriah Morris, Sr., FB-LB (546 yards, 4 touchdowns, 70 carries); Eric McCarter, Sr., RB-DB (1,137 yards, 16 touchdowns, 93 carries); Wyatt Knopp, Jr., QB; Chase Salas, So. L (transferred from Las Vegas); Christian Tsirlis, Sr., RB-DB; Alphonso Munoz, Jr., L; R.J. Rose, Jr., TE; Logan Ferch, Sr., OLB (transferred from Yokota); Derek Hines, Sr., DB.Strengths — Solid experience and depth in the interior and backfield on both sides of the ball. Explosive speed in McCarter out of the backfield and on returns.Drawbacks — Replacing four years of quarterback and leadership with departure of Cody Sego.Overview — Contending. Many of the key components that contributed to the 2017 title return to meet the challenge of trying to stay on top.