Senior Ethan Bricker takes over as starting quarterback; junior Casey Bumpers is a returning running back. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Sixth in a series of preseason looks at DODEA-Pacific football programs.
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Replacing a dual-threat quarterback who meant everything to a football team’s offense can sometimes be difficult.
Not so for Yokota. Ethan Bricker, who for two seasons learned from Panthers starter Dylan Tomas, is set to take over signal-calling duties. And second-year head coach Michael Woodworth says he has every confidence that Bricker can do the job “replacing the ‘irreplaceable.’”
“Ethan has been a backup all this time, he’s been here and Dylan was here to mentor him,” Woodworth said. “He has very good accuracy – that’s one of the big things – and he works diligently every summer. He’s shown sparks of being Dylan in practice so far.”
Bricker will also have some players surrounding him who have been in the Panthers system for a couple of years. “Experienced players who can step up and play positions,” Woodworth said. “Almost the entire line were starters or junior backups” last season.
Another aspect helping the Panthers is the PCS Plane, which brought a couple of juniors who can contribute immediately, Woodworth said.
Kicoh Guenther, a receiver-defensive back, comes to Yokota from Naples. And Garrett Browne, a lineman, transfers from Malaysia, where he played rugby. “Speed, tackling and quick thinking,” Browne said of how rugby skills can translate to the gridiron.
What the Panthers, 4-3 last season, need to work on, Woodworth said, is finishing what they start. “Coming from behind. Finishing when we’re behind,” he said. “A few breaks here and there and we could have finished 6-1.”
The Panthers begin the season at home Sept. 1 against Robert D. Edgren. Their key battle might be on Oct. 6, when the Panthers visit reigning DODEA-Japan champion Zama.
If all the pieces fall together and the team clicks early, “we may surprise some people,” Woodworth said.
Michael Woodworth enters his second season as Yokota football coach. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Yokota doesn't have the numbers it had a season ago, but most of the players have have been in the system awhile and can step up to play key spots. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Freshman Antonio Webster shows promise as a Yokota running back. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Yokota Panthers
2022 season record — 4-3.
Head coaches — Michael Woodworth, second season.
Championships — 15 DODEA-Japan titles, 32 Kanto titles, five Rising Sun Bowl championships 2000-04, two Far East Division I titles 2011-12.
Returning players — 26.
Returning starters — 8.
Key performers — Ethan Bricker, Sr., QB; Braedan Raybon, Sr., LB; Royce Canta, Sr., slot back-DB; Lucas Smith, Sr., DT; Kicoh Guenther, Jr., WR-DB (transferred from Naples, Italy); Aiden Lippo, Sr., C; Casey Bumpers, Jr., RB; Garrett Browne, Jr., L (transferred from Malaysia where he played rugby); Antonio Webster, Fr., RB.
Strengths — Speed. The Panthers have players who have been in the system for multiple years. PCS Plane brought in some players who will contribute immediately.
Drawbacks — Lack of depth. Down to 34 total players, from 46 a year ago. A few injuries in key spots could be costly.
Overview — Reloading. Replacing two-year starting quarterback Dylan Tomas might seem a tough task, but Bricker has been in the system for three years. Some good, experienced veterans in key spots could make the Panthers a contender.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 1
Robert D. Edgren at Yokota
Friday, Sept. 15
Yokota at Matthew C. Perry
Friday, Sept. 22
Nile C. Kinnick at Yokota
Friday, Sept. 29
American School In Japan at Yokota
Friday, Oct. 6
Yokota at Zama
Saturday, Oct. 14
Osan at Yokota
Friday, Oct. 20
Yokota at Daegu
