With eyes on making a deep postseason run, the Kirkwood High School football program is putting in elite-level offseason work, centered around speed, strength, and a winning culture. Under Head Coach Chad Watson’s guidance, the Cobras are gearing up for what could be their most dynamic season yet.
Offseason Focus: Speed is the Name of the Game
Kirkwood’s offseason has been all about one word—speed. The program has fully committed to Tony Hollar’s Feed The Cats training philosophy and added Titan GPS sensors to monitor athletic output.
“We’ve seen great results—21 of our players have hit peak speeds over 20 mph,” Coach Watson reported. “And with the focus on speed, our strength numbers have gone up across the board.”
Team Bonding: Pizza, Basketball, and Fort Campbell
Off the field, the Cobras are tightening team chemistry through creative bonding experiences:
Pizza & a Pump: An arm workout followed by supporting the school’s basketball teams.
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: Wrapped up with cheers for the boys’ soccer team.
Summer Plans: Leadership training with a military unit at Fort Campbell and a trip to the water park.
These events build not only camaraderie but a shared sense of pride in representing Kirkwood Athletics.
Roster Movement: Farewell to College-Bound Seniors
Six players from the Class of 2025 are moving on to play at the college level—a proud moment for the program, but also a signal that new leaders must emerge.
Players to Watch: Loaded with Talent and Potential
The Cobras boast an exciting core of returning stars who are turning heads on the field and in the weight room:
Miles Reding (2027 QB) – Threw for 1,950 yards and 24 TDs last season; Mr. Football Semifinalist.
Josiah Claybrooks (2026 RB) – Already surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards.
Kamari Blair (2026 OT) – One of the top OL in the country (ESPN 300), holds 25+ D1 offers.
Parker Keenan (2027 TE) – Athletic pass-catcher with an offer from Grambling State.
Torrens Malone (2026 WR) – Big-play threat with breakout potential.
All five have shown tremendous dedication in transforming their bodies through offseason lifting and conditioning.
Fitness & Nutrition: Training the Whole Athlete
From the weight room to recovery, the focus is holistic:
Unique weightlifting cycles, speed work, and data-driven performance tracking.
Education on sleep, recovery, and nutrition awareness to support athletic growth.
“We try to give our guys knowledge of what they should be putting into their bodies,” said Coach Watson.
Coaching Strategy: Refined and Focused
The Kirkwood coaching staff has conducted a detailed self-scout of the 2024 season, identifying strengths to double down on and schemes to refine or eliminate.
“We’re adapting our playbook to match this year’s personnel,” Coach Watson explained. “Less is more—we’re sharpening our focus.”
Community Engagement: Beyond the Field
Kirkwood players are showing up for their community with visits to local elementary schools and monthly service events. It’s all part of building character and representing the program with pride.
The Road Ahead: A New Standard
Year 2 was about reaching the playoffs. Now in Year 3, the expectation is clear: make a run.
“We’ve got a tough schedule,” Coach Watson admitted. “But we’re locked in on getting better every single day.”
With speed, strength, and unity driving them forward, the Kirkwood Cobras are poised to leave their mark in 2025.
 – Threw for 1,950 yards and 24 TDs last season; Mr. Football Semifinalist.
Josiah Claybrooks (2026 RB) – Already surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards.
Kamari Blair (2026 OT) – One of the top OL in the country (ESPN 300), holds 25+ D1 offers.
Parker Keenan (2027 TE) – Athletic pass-catcher with an offer from Grambling State.
Torrens Malone (2026 WR) – Big-play threat with breakout potential.
All five have shown tremendous dedication in transforming their bodies through offseason lifting and conditioning.
Fitness & Nutrition: Training the Whole Athlete
From the weight room to recovery, the focus is holistic:
Unique weightlifting cycles, speed work, and data-driven performance tracking.
Education on sleep, recovery, and nutrition awareness to support athletic growth.
“We try to give our guys knowledge of what they should be putting into their bodies,” said Coach Watson.
Coaching Strategy: Refined and Focused
The Kirkwood coaching staff has conducted a detailed self-scout of the 2024 season, identifying strengths to double down on and schemes to refine or eliminate.
“We’re adapting our playbook to match this year’s personnel,” Coach Watson explained. “Less is more—we’re sharpening our focus.”
Community Engagement: Beyond the Field
Kirkwood players are showing up for their community with visits to local elementary schools and monthly service events. It’s all part of building character and representing the program with pride.
The Road Ahead: A New Standard
Year 2 was about reaching the playoffs. Now in Year 3, the expectation is clear: make a run.
“We’ve got a tough schedule,” Coach Watson admitted. “But we’re locked in on getting better every single day.”
With speed, strength, and unity driving them forward, the Kirkwood Cobras are poised to leave their mark in 2025.){kind=tracking}
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