Straight Out the EF Classic: The VA Seahawks at the the 4th EF Classic

The VA Seahawks put on a show during the EF Classic, and it stood out for both the coaches and the team. We look at their connections and their presence with each other. Their highlight mixtape is a show in itself—exciting, with kids engaged and playing like they’re the best of the best in their age group.

The interview may have been a bit chaotic, but the kids’ radiance and connection came through, and that’s all that matters at the end of the day.

When we sat down for our virtual interview with five of the VA Seahawks, we talked to Nicholas “Baby Guru” Felton, Karson “Slide 5” Cohen, Antoine Best Jr., Karter Spellman, and Kai Gray. Each carries a level of confidence—especially Nick, who said his teammates would consider him a leader. Karson also has a steady confidence—trusting in his growth and his ability to live up to the standards of his nickname “Slide 5.” This type of confidence is similar to that of collegiate athletes I interviewed in April.

These five players are must-watch as they continue to develop. What I’m saying may sound somewhat redundant compared to my previous articles, but that’s because the players I cover are consistent in growth, play, and reliability as athletes. They know how to put on a show while also knowing when to stay consistent—and that applies to their off-field behavior as well.

As these kids grow, I have a strong belief that they will be influential in the communities they grow into, whether in sports, school, college, or so much more. Their confidence as individuals radiates. This helped them at the 4th annual EF Classic and will sustain them at other stages in life with the support that they have—parents, coaches, friends, and teammates.

They are playmakers, competing on both sides of the ball at such a young age. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers behind these young stars in the making.

Nicholas “Baby Guru” Felton

Felton set the tone for the Seahawks’ offense across two games, putting up three passing touchdowns and 200 passing yards. His steady command and ability to make plays under pressure reflect why teammates view him as a leader on the field.

Karson “Slide 5” Cohen

Cohen’s journey stands out among the Seahawks. After starting at 6U, he briefly dropped back to his age group, where he quickly became recognized as one of the most talented 9U players in the country. Now playing up at 10U, he continues to showcase his growth and confidence under Coach G’s leadership. His ability to adjust, compete at higher levels, and embrace the expectations that come with his “Slide 5” nickname make him one of the most exciting players to watch this season.

Antoine Best Jr.

Best Jr. proved to be a versatile threat all weekend. He carried the ball 11 times for 150 yards, added a 40-yard passing touchdown, and finished with two total touchdowns. His mix of speed and playmaking ability kept defenses on their heels.

Karter Spellman

Spellman made his impact felt on both sides of the ball. He recorded two touchdowns, came away with two interceptions, and added seven tackles. His ability to shift momentum on offense and defense makes him a reliable difference-maker for the Seahawks.

Kai Gray

Gray showcased his all-around game. Defensively, he tallied eight tackles and three sacks. On offense, he contributed 80 rushing yards and one touchdown while also securing a clean fumble recovery. His versatility makes him one of the most complete playmakers on the roster.

Taken together, these numbers highlight more than just production—they show a team full of playmakers who embrace every role asked of them. Felton’s leadership and arm, Cohen’s maturity and adaptability, Best Jr.’s versatility, Spellman’s two-way impact, and Gray’s balance of physical defense and offensive spark all paint the picture of a unit that thrives on consistency and confidence.

What makes the VA Seahawks special isn’t just the highlight mixtapes or the chaos of a youth interview—it’s the way their individual talents combine into something bigger. At such a young age, they’re already showing maturity on and off the field, proving they can adapt, perform, and influence the game in any situation.

This group doesn’t just play football—they put on a show. And as they continue to grow, it’s clear that the Seahawks are building a foundation of athletes who will carry their confidence and presence well beyond the field.