By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The CD Panthers football program has long been a cornerstone in the region’s youth football history. This year’s 8U team, led by coach Eddie Scott, is a prime example of how utilizing that legacy as a teaching tool to instill the most important aspect of youth football—fundamentals—pays off.
According to Scott, his goal is to lead in the same manner as his predecessors, teaching the basics of the game. At the same time, this is the age where learning the game of football begins at its purest, as most of his team are playing for the first time, and Scott enjoys
“I came up with the older guys like Coach Bickham. We came up under those guys, you know, so some real curriculum and old-school football stuff,” Scott said.
“The coaches that we had were on another level, man, and they encouraged me to a point where I don’t think the quality of coaches is the same,” Scott continued. “Because of the coaches that we have, even me, I don’t think I’m the same quality of coach that I had. We had amazing coaches and men and mentors back then. And that’s what I want to emulate.”
Scott says that the essential aspect of coaching his team is ensuring that when his players move to the next age group, they are fundamentally sound. This year’s 8U CD Panthers are filled with young athletes. For many, it’s their first time playing organized football, yet despite their inexperience, the team is 4-0 and poised for a strong playoff run, thanks largely to their aggressive defense.
“Defense is definitely the strength of our team,” says Scott. “We got some athletes that are flying around.”
While the defense is the cornerstone of the team’s success, the offense remains a work in progress, largely due to their youth and inexperience. Learning and understanding plays, as well as staying focused, is an ongoing challenge in this age group, but Scott believes the offense will be exactly where it needs to be towards the end of the season.
“They’re undisciplined,” Scott admits, “but that’s what you get when you coach 7- and 8-year-olds. They can be all over the place.”
“Offense is a little more difficult to teach. So, I think we’re a little behind as far as what we’re teaching for offense,” Scott explained. “But defense is right where it needs to be—on point and getting stronger every day. Defense wins games, defense wins championships is my motto.”
Scott is a product of Seattle’s Central District. He played for CAYA as a youth, graduated from Cleveland High School, and now works as an event coordinator for the Mayor of Seattle’s office. He relishes the opportunity to mentor young Black boys, drawing from the same community and experiences that shaped him.
“There’s nothing that compares to being able to connect with the kids,” says Scott. “A lot of our kids either don’t have a dad or are missing some family members or whatever or just having some hard time mentally figuring out stuff. So, I just want to give them the skill set to be able to be a productive member of society. We’re working on shaking hands in practice and shaking hands with the right hand, looking at each other in the eye. So, we’re on some other stuff, on some growth for these young men. It’s not just football.”
When it comes to their play on the field, Scott is especially excited about his core group of standout players: Carter Morgan, Ricky Victoria, Romero Panaloza, and Ronnie Phillips. These “veterans” of the team, along with 29 other young athletes, form the foundation of a very promising group.
Carter Morgan, a captain on the team, is a player Scott sees as a future star.
“Carter Morgan, he’s been on the CD Panthers for the last couple of years,” Scott said. “He’s played various positions, but now this year is going to be his first year in the backfield. He’s usually played defensive end and center this year. He’s actually been going and working out and stuff, and he’s changed. I’ve seen him, and his skill set has changed.”
Scott also praised Victoria and Panaloza for their leadership, as well as Phillips, a smaller player who is part of the heart and soul of the team.
“We have Ricky Victoria and Romeo Panaloza. Those are the guys who are pretty much running our team. Boogie, we call him Boogie, Ronnie Phillips—he’s little, but this guy is a monster, and he’s a hitter, shows up everywhere. He’s a menace on the field. He’s what we need him to be. So, like I said, we have some smart kids out there.”
Morgan, who plays defensive end, corner, and running back, is a standout for his versatility. In the first four games, he’s scored four touchdowns, including three runs of 50 yards. As a veteran of two previous championships — winning one as a 6U player— Morgan is confident that his team is on the right path.
“We are a good team because our players push hard,” says Morgan. “We have some ‘dogs’ on our team, and we are hungry.”
Morgan describes his love for defense and credits the team’s success to their defensive mindset, echoing Coach Scott’s philosophy that “defense wins championships.”
“I like to hit people,” says Morgan. “I like to tackle people. Defense is my favorite part of the game. My team is good. We have won four games in a row and haven’t lost any games. Our players are hungry for that championship.”
Scott appreciates the talent and potential his players bring to the field but emphasizes that the focus remains on teaching. With a team of 33 players, many of whom are playing football for the first time, Scott knows that building confidence and mastering the basics are key.
“We try to teach confidence, life skills, and we teach the game,” Scott said. “I try to teach fundamentals and sportsmanship and just giving your all when you’re out there. I want the kids to have fun and compete.”
For Scott, winning is secondary to competing and showing up to do the best one can.
“It’s not about winning for me, it’s about competing, having fun, showing up, and doing what you came to do, basically, because that is what life is about showing up. Also, learning, getting better, and sending them up to the next level with some understanding of the game.”
As Scott’s team progresses through the season, his main focus is ensuring these young athletes not only improve their skills but also develop as individuals. He remains committed to using football as a vehicle for growth and learning, a philosophy rooted in the legacy of the men who coached him.