Junior Carlos Cadet helps fit fellow Kubasaki junior Jackson Nicolas' shoulder pads. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Second in a series of preseason looks at DODEA-Pacific football programs.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – Exiting Kubasaki’s best football season in seven years, it seemed Caleb Stefan was the heir apparent for 2023 at quarterback, following A.J. Millette’s graduation.
But the PCS plane changed those plans over the summer, when it brought in junior brothers Trajon and Onzei Weaver from Twentynine Palms, Calif., where the two started at quarterback and wide receiver.
So, what to do with Stefan?
“He recognized that he’s going to do what’s right for the team,” Dragons third-year coach Tony Alvarado said of Stefan, who will be designated an “athlete” for the coming season. “He’s unselfish; he’ll play where the team needs him.”
The Weavers, meanwhile, give the Dragons tailor-made replacements at some crucial spots in the offense, following graduations and transfers of key players in Kubasaki’s lineup.
“The PCS plane was good to us,” Alvarado said.
Senior Anthony Finegan is the lone returning starting lineman for Kubasaki. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
The Dragons also look to fill some lineup spots with move-up players from last year’s junior varsity, particularly Lucas Gaines, a junior who will likely start at running back and linebacker, Alvarado said.
“He was an incredible JV player and will be a force on varsity,” Alvarado said of Gaines. Kubasaki has seven players moving up from JV to varsity for the coming season, “which is exciting to see,” Alvarado said.
The line, however, is the team’s biggest question. It was arguably the key ingredient in the Dragons’ success last season – 5-2, their first winning season in seven years, which included a five-game winning streak.
“We lost all that size, all that beef that we had,” Alvarado said.
Only Anthony Finegan, a senior, returns to that line, which Alvarado said would have to develop quickly if the Dragons are to continue their newfound winning ways.
It's the first season since 2019 that the Dragons will compete for a Far East championship; they have two to their credit, but have not won one since 2013.
“This is definitely a rebuilding year for us, but we do have the potential to grow quickly,” Alvarado said.
The Dragons’ season begins Sept. 1 when they host Nile C. Kinnick.
Receiver Onzei Weaver is one of two Weaver brothers who came to Kubasaki from Twentynine Palms, Calif. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Tony Alvarado enters his third season as Kubasaki coach flush with skills players but needing to develop a line quickly. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Kubasaki Dragons
2023 season record — 5-2 overall.
Head coach — Tony Alvarado, third season as head coach (part of Dragons program for 10 seasons).
Returning players — 9.
Returning starters — 6.
Key performers — Kaito Moore, Sr., LB; A.J. Sablan, Sr., RB; Anthony Finegan, Sr., L; Trajon Weaver, Jr., QB (transferred from Twentynine Palms, Calif.) Onzei Weaver, Jr., WR (transferred from Twentynine Palms, Calif.); Lucas Gaines, Jr., RB-LB; Caleb Stephan, Jr., athlete.
Strengths — Getting the Weavers off the PCS plane. Speedy and athletic ability, particularly in the skills positions.
Drawbacks — Lack of size; most of the linemen either graduated or transferred.
Overview — Rebuilding, but with the potential for growth, should the new interior players develop quickly.
SCHEDULE
Nile C. Kinnick at Kubasaki
Friday, Sept. 8
Kubasaki at Kadena
Friday, Sept. 15
Humphreys at Kubasaki
Friday, Sept. 29
Kubasaki at Nile C. Kinnick
Friday, Oct. 6
Kadena at Kubasaki
Friday, Oct. 13
Kubasaki at Humphreys
Friday, Sept. 22, and Friday, Oct. 20 are makeup dates in case of inclement weather or other difficulties.
