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

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan – It’s rare for a DODEA-Pacific football team to hold onto players for more than a season or two.

Robert D. Edgren is flush in veterans – five players with three seasons in the program.

Combined with hunger sparked by the Eagles going just 3-19 the past three seasons since the coronavirus pandemic, Edgren’s players and coaches feel the time has come to take the next step forward.

“That’s the plan,” said first-year Eagles coach Brian Johnson, the team’s fourth head coach in four seasons. “We want to change that this year. If everything is clicking, I think we’re going to be dangerous.”

The Eagles have much going for them heading toward their season opener Friday at home against Zama.

There’s plenty of size in the line on both sides of the ball, with junior Cole Donnelly, senior Titus Tungett and new junior Tucker McCoy, a transfer from Nebraska who stands 6-foot-3, 240 pounds.

Johnson will focus on defense, while Charles Barlow, one of four assistants, handles an offense that Johnson says could “put a lot of points on the scoreboard.”

Haruki Jones, a junior with three years in the system, takes over at quarterback from Jayse Ulechong.

“He’s been getting it done,” Johnson said of Jones. “He has a lot of confidence, he’s making throws and he knows and understands the offense.”

Jones will have seniors Parker Kuns, Micah Magat and Andrew Bauman to throw to. P.J. Lorenzo, a junior in his third year on the team, lines up at running back and cornerback.

“We have a lot of heart, we’ve been working hard and I’m really excited to see what we can do,” Johnson said.

The Eagles haven’t been to the Far East Division II football final since losing at Daegu 33-12 in 2013, and have not won the championship since their 35-7 home win over Osan in 2008.

“We’re very hungry,” Jones said. “We would like to win it this season. I’d say we have a very good chance. We’ve waited long enough.”

ROBERT D. EDGREN EAGLES

2023 season record — 2-5 overall and DODEA-Pacific Division II.

Head coach — Brian Johnson, first season. Coached one season previously at Fort Knox, Ky.

Championships — DODEA-Pacific Far East Division II titles in 2006-08, six title-game appearances in all.

Returning players — 17.

Returning starters — 13.

Key performers — P.J. Lorenzo, Jr., RB-CB; Haruki Jones, Jr., QB; Cole Donnelly, Jr., DE; Titus Tungett, Sr., C-DL; Tucker McCoy, Jr., L (transferred from Nebraska); Parker Kuns, Sr., WR-FS; Adrian Bauman, Sr., WR-OLB; Micah Magat, Sr., RB-FL-DB.

Strengths — Size in the line, speed and playmaking among skill-positions players. Several players have been in the Eagles system for three or more seasons, particularly Jones, who takes over under center.

Drawbacks — Johnson becomes the team’s fourth head coach in four seasons, adjusting to a new coach and a new system could be a challenge.

Overview — Reloading-contending. It has been 11 years since the Eagles reached the Far East D-II final. Johnson says he feels his players are confident and have the ability to contend against the likes of Zama and Yokota, which loom as their strongest foes, at least in Japan.

Schedule

Friday, Aug. 23

Zama at Edgren

Friday, Aug. 30

Edgren at Matthew C. Perry

Saturday, Sept. 7

Osan at Edgren

Friday, Sept. 13

Edgren at Yokota

Friday, Sept. 27

Yokota at Edgren

Friday, Oct. 11

Edgren at Zama

Postseason

Semifinals

Friday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 19

Third place at second place

Fourth place at first place

Championship

Friday, Oct. 25

Semifinal winners