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Fourth in a series of DODEA-Pacific high school football previews. CAMP ZAMA, Japan – They were close to a 2025 Far East Division II title game berth. But a government shutdown and the short end of a points tiebreaker got in Zama’s way. Thus, Gabriel Simpkins says he and the Trojans are primed to not let the same thing happen this coming football season. “Very motivated,” said Simpkins, Zama’s featured running back who averaged nearly 20 yards per carry last season. “It’s my senior season. I want to end my senior season with a championship.” The Trojans lost their first two games last season, 56-35 to Yokota and 27-18 to Matthew C. Perry. They closed with a flurry, winning their last three games but were left on the outside looking in as Perry and Yokota played for the title. Zama beat Yokota in their rematch 36-32 but went into that game needing to beat the Panthers by 21 or more points to earn the head-to-head tiebreaker. Worse, Zama’s homecoming game vs. Perry was canceled due to the government shutdown – one of four homecoming games called off that weekend. Not only does Simpkins want his Trojans to run the table this season, he said he hopes to crack the 1,000-yard rushing barrier. He had 876 yards on 46 carries in 2025, 19.04 yards per carry and 175.2 per game. “That makes me extra motivated, to put it all on the line, so I have no regrets,” Simpkins said. One thing in the Trojans’ favor this season is numbers. They’ll go back to playing 11-man format, save for games against teams that can only field a nine-man lineup. Zama has 40 percent more athletes on the field than it did last season. “We have more speed than we did last season,” coach Shawen Smith said, citing senior Milo Iluvich, a slot receiver-defensive back who transferred from Ramstein, Germany. “If anything, Milo has more speed than Gabe.” Zama gets to put that speed and bigger lineup into action starting Aug. 28 when the Trojans visit Robert D. Edgren, one of six games on the schedule. “We have the talent to be a really good team this year,” Simpkins said. Zama Trojans 2025 season record — 3-2 overall. Head coach — Shawen Smith, second season. Championships — Far East Division II titles in 2009, 2012 and 2019. Returning players — 11. Returning starters — 7. Key performers — Garrett Allen, Sr., RB-TE-LB; Thomas Diaz, Sr., QB-DB; Gabriel Simpkins, Sr., RB-slot-DB; Anthony Romero, Sr., OL; Milo Ivulich, Sr., WR (transferred from Ramstein, Germany). Strengths — Simpkins and Diaz are in tune with each other offensively; Allen is to defense what Diaz and Simpkins are to offense. Some size in the interior. Much more speed than last season. Motivated after just missing 2025 final. Drawbacks — Few to speak of, other than maybe the up-and-coming freshmen need plenty of repetitions to develop. Overview — Contending. Small but productive core of skills players. Simpkins and Allen might be the difference makers in all of D-II. Smith (Seoul American) and defensive coach Chris Waite (Robert D. Edgren) each have DODEA-Pacific head-coaching experience. If they keep focused and play hard every down, their first D-II title in seven seasons might be possible. 2026 season schedule Friday, Aug. 28 Zama at Robert D. Edgren, 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 Yokota at Zama, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 Zama at Osan Friday, Sept. 25 Edgren at Zama, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 Zama at Yokota, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 Matthew C. Perry at Zama, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 No. 2 at No. 1, teams, time and site to be determined