The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
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NC commits: Latest batch of NC athletes finalize next steps

Devyn Potts, Reporter
February 9, 2026
Gregory Buranich
Family and friends gathered in the Arena February 4 to celebrate four special athletes signing to play collegiate sports. NC athletes officially signed to their future colleges for football, basketball and flag football. Through their dedication to their teammates and coaches, these athletes achieved lifelong goals of playing with passion at the next level.

February 4, dozens of coaches, friends, teammates and family gathered in the Arena to celebrate four special athletes and their accomplishments. Signing day solidifies an athlete’s intent to play for a school at the collegiate level and continue his or her passion for the sports he or she loves. The third installment for college signings — flag football, girls’ basketball and football — will now introduce additional athletes representing NC at the next level. 

Wide receiver Sebastian Easley (1) signed his commitment letter to Division 1 (D1) school Southeastern Louisiana University with hopes to continue on-field and academic success. As a four-year member of the NC football team, Easley contributed to a record of 35-12 and multiple playoff berths. Although sidelined due to injury for the majority of his senior season, Easley’s leadership still rang through the locker room, during games and on the practice field. Easley will join the Lions, one of the top competitive schools in the Southland Conference, with a 9-4 record last season. 

Warrior Football long snapper Jude Blessington (44) signed with Georgia Military College (NJCAA). Blessington, another four-year member of the Warrior football team, received various impressive accolades while at NC. Blessington contributed to the Warriors in ways not widely recognized. The long snapper position requires accuracy in snapping the ball to the punter and kicker. Under the leadership of Coach Shane Queen and his own father, defensive coordinator Jude Blessington, Blessington contributed to dozens of accurate kicks over the season. Georgia Military College flaunts a competitive football program as the team put up a 10-1 record this past season. 

“I think it’s well deserved because [Sebastian] got hurt throughout the season and faced a lot of adversity. Jude is a good guy, and not many people recognize what he does, and it’s really important to the team. Both of them really deserve to play in college, so I’m happy for them,” magnet sophomore and running back Buchi Emerah (47) said. 

Four-year flag football star Malaya Alverez (23) committed to Wesleyan College to continue her impressive career. As a four-year member of the Warrior flag team, Alvarez aided in building the program into one of the top teams in the county. Assistant Coach Bailey Arnaud and Coach Murphy Corley saw the potential in Alvarez and encouraged her passion for flag football through camps and opportunities to improve her skills. Coach Corley named Alverez the defensive player of the year for her expertise on the field. Impressively, Alvarez will join the inaugural roster of the flag football team, setting the precedent for Division three (D3) Wesleyan athletics for years to come. 

“Joining the flag football team was one of the best things I’ve done in my entire life, it helped me find my passion and introduced me to so many new things. I’ve for sure had ups and downs on the team, I think that’s a given with sports, but I love the program and wouldn’t change a thing. I learned that I can’t do everything on my own and the importance of making sure I do my job and trusting others around me to do theirs. I can oversee and advise, but I can’t force anyone to do anything, just like I can’t beat myself up if someone else messes up. You just keep moving forward,” Alvarez said.

In an impressive feat, Jordyn Cowan (3) joined Alvarez in committing to play flag football for Wesleyan College; however, her athletic ability extends further than flag. Additionally, Point Guard Cowan (4) committed to play basketball for the Wolves, an impressive feat for the transfer from Kennesaw Mountain High School. Despite Cowan joining both teams this season, her attitude and work ethic quickly solidified her as an important leader amongst teammates. Cowan’s energy and locker room presence allowed for both the flag team and the basketball team to play at the highest level all season long. Through her abilities to play two sports at an elite level, Cowan solidified herself as an intriguing and elite athlete who will now represent NC at a collegiate level. 

The Chant wishes all of the athletes luck with their future endeavors.

 
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About the Contributor
Devyn Potts
Devyn Potts, Reporter
Devyn Potts, a magnet sophomore, is starting her first year on The Chant staff and is looking forward to contributing as a Reporter for the 2025-2026 school year. Growing up in school, Potts always had a love for everything creative. In the first grade, Potts wrote about her love for chocolate, and it was submitted for a writing competition. Ever since then, her love for writing has only grown. Catch her on the sideline on Friday nights, cheering on the Warrior football team in the fall, and on the court, cheering on the basketball team in the winter. Oftentimes, you will hear Potts talking about sports, her many clubs, BSU, Tribal Connections and Beta Club, or any random thing that comes to mind. Potts has an immense love for any and everything sport-related, so feel free to come up and talk about stats, games, or headlines at any time.    Find her on Instagram @devynmckinley_.
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