CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Quarterbacks and middle linebackers not only serve as signal callers and playmakers – their leadership can sometimes make the difference between a football title team and one that just misses out on a championship.

For Zama, the lone unbeaten DODEA-Pacific football team and a favorite to win the Far East Division II title, that means seniors Thomas Diaz and Garrett Allen.

Diaz has quarterbacked the Trojans to a 6-0 record with the leading D-II scoring offense, 39 points per game, while Allen has helmed DODEA-Pacific’s leading scoring defense, allowing just 8 points per game.

Coach Shawen Smith insists that it’s “a true team effort for everybody across the board. Everybody is contributing in their own way.”

But Diaz and Allen serve as the fulcrum on each side of the ball, Smith said.

“Garrett runs our defense; he makes all the calls on the field,” Smith said. “With our RPOs (run-pass options), Thomas makes the decision to either run or pass. And (running back) Gabe (Simpkins) is such a threat, they have to respect him; otherwise, he’ll burn them.”

Those three will put their skills to the test in the third meeting of the season between the host Trojans and two-time defending D-II champion Yokota. Zama is chasing its first title in seven years and its fourth overall.

The Panthers will play in Friday’s final for the third straight year – all on the road. The Trojans have beaten Yokota both times they played this season, 43-7 on Sept. 4 at Zama and 25-13 on Oct. 2 at Yokota.

On the Division I side, defending champion Humphreys puts its title on the line Saturday against Nile C. Kinnick, which is trying for its first D-I championship since 2018.

The Blackhawks (4-1) beat the 5-1 Red Devils 31-29 on Oct. 2. Humphreys is chasing its third DODEA-Pacific title overall, having won the D-II crown in 2017. For Kinnick, it would be its second D-I championship.

To Diaz and Allen, leadership means not only making the right plays, but helping build the program for now and the future.

“How to handle yourself when things go wrong,” Diaz said. “Keep your emotions in check. If they show, apologize for it and fix it.”

“Being somebody that the younger players can look up to,” Allen said. “Being a role model, set the example, set the tone for the team, for the program for years to come.”

Panthers senior Luke Beck is one of three players who can quarterback for Yokota, along with sophomore Liam Douglas and freshman Keito Kawamura-Johnson. Beck also plays receiver, linebacker, safety and cornerback, when needed.

“It’s all about being humble,” Beck said of being a leader. “Put your teammates first, then me. I try to be as humble as I can, help build players for the future. Everybody’s a part of the team, no matter what they do.”

Likewise, senior Marek Allen of Humphreys has been a two-way player and leader, quarterbacking and playing middle linebacker. Blackhawks coach Tyrone Powers says Allen has been a quiet sort of leader.

“Marek has continued to show up daily and lead by example,” said Powers, whose Blackhawks lead D-I Pacific in scoring defense (13.8 points per game). “He’s (Allen) not a young man of many words. He speaks with his actions.”

Allen and the Blackhawks will face a youthful rising star in Kinnick sophomore quarterback Brady Mauldin. Red Devils longtime coach Dan Joley has always valued a quarterback who can take the reins of their spread system and be almost a coach on the field.

“His ability to lead, to process everything that’s going on has been key” for the Red Devils, who lead DODEA-Pacific in scoring offense (39.5 points per game). “He’s been the most prolific offense player in the Pacific.”

One of those rare players competing in their third Far East football final is Yokota junior lineman Isaiah Sideno. He says he would love nothing more than to show the third time is the charm against Zama for the Panthers.

“It would mean everything to me,” Sideno said, adding that winning titles have been big moments for him starting when he was a freshman two years ago. “This year is going to be the same.”

Kickoff for the D-II final is 6 p.m. Friday at Zama’s Barry Huitema Memorial Field. The D-I championship kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Blackhawks Field.