Sophomore Jaydn Hooker and Yoikota are hopeful of catching their third straight Far East D-II title. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
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.”
Read more at stripes.com.
AloJapan.com