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

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Groans and disappointment reigned in the Humphreys High School weight room last Wednesday when an announcement was made about their season opener at American School In Japan on Aug. 31.

Not only was that game postponed until Oct. 12, due to safety concerns over Typhoon Shanshan – they couldn’t practice outdoors that day either, because of a black-flag condition on base caused by an over-the-limit heat index.

“They are not happy,” second-year Blackhawks coach Reggie Meno said of the game postponement. “The 22 who were traveling, they were raring to go.”

So, Humphreys’ season opener now becomes Saturday’s game at Kadena, the defending DODEA-Pacific Far East Division I champion. And while the Panthers have been tough to overcome for many teams, the Blackhawks refuse to be cowed in the face of pedigree, Meno said.

“Our former coach, Steven Elliott, established our motto: Never quit,” Meno said. “That’s what we stick to and preach to the players. We have large numbers who have never played tackle football. We’re instilling that in them. And they’re showing it. The kids are showing the desire.”

Meno and his players say they believe they can take major steps to improve on a 1-5 record last season and at least earn a semifinal berth in the D-I playoffs scheduled for next month.

Junior quarterback Bradley Miller returns under center. Several key skill players and linemen graduated or transferred. But the Blackhawks do have quick skill players returning, such as senior Marvin Gibson and juniors Matthew Newbin and Joshua Canion in the backfield and newcomer sophomore Brian Taylor at receiver.

There’s not much size in the line, but seniors Dominic Meno and Joseph Fernal are back, and Miller says a team can’t always expect five big, beefy linemen to come out every season.

“We’ve always overcome” a size disadvantage, Miller said. “They (other teams) may have big people, but we hit hard. Size matters, but it also doesn’t matter. It’s the mindset. With that, anything’s possible.”

Much will depend on getting through an Okinawa gauntlet to open the season; the Blackhawks host Kubasaki on Sept. 14 following their trip to Kadena.

“We have a good chance,” Miller said. “I think we’re more focused, more determined and more humble this year.”

HUMPHREYS BLACKHAWKS

2023 season record — 1-5 overall and DODEA-Pacific Division I.

Head coach — Reggie Meno, second season. Coached two seasons at Seoul American, 2017-18.

Returning players — 12.

Returning starters — 12 at any one time or another.

Key performers — Dominic Meno, Sr., OL-DL; Bradley Miller, Jr., QB; Joshua Canion, Jr., RB; Scott Herbert, Jr., DB; Joseph Fernal, Sr., L; Matthew Newbin, Jr., RB-LB; Marvin Gibson, Sr., LB-RB; Brian Taylor, So., WR.

Strengths — Speed, especially at skill positions. Some newcomers have shown legitimate skill.

Drawbacks — Lack of depth. Numbers are down, especially in the line.

Overview — Rebuilding, but hoping to contend if the Blackhawks can spin up the newcomers and overcome the lack of depth and line size.

Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 31

Humphreys at American School In Japan, ppd., Typhoon Shanshan

Saturday, Sept. 7

Humphreys at Kadena

Saturday, Sept. 14

Kubasaki at Humphreys

Friday, Sept. 20

Osan at Humphreys

Saturday, Oct. 5

Nile C. Kinnick at Humphreys

Saturday, Oct. 12

Humphreys at American School In Japan, makeup of postponed Aug. 31 game

Postseason

DODEA-Pacific Far East Division I playoffs

Friday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 19

Third place at second place

Fourth place at first place

Saturday, Oct. 26

Semifinal winners