CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kirkwood football has improved its record in each of its first three seasons, including the program’s first playoff win in 2025. This season, the Cobras expect that trend to continue and have their sights set on even more.

“Every year that we’ve been in existence, we’ve taken a step up, and we’ve just challenged them to be another group that continues that trend in the right direction and to make sure they’re working every day, that they’re not the class that doesn’t improve,” Kirkwood head coach Chad Watson told Clarksville Now.

Two youth football players in orange practice vests on a grassy field; one is throwing a football while the other watches in motion.
Football player in orange jersey number 31 catches a football mid-run on a grassy practice field, with teammates blurred in the background.
Coach wearing a navy cap and gray sleeveless shirt raises a clenched fist and speaks to players on a sports field during practice, with a clipboard hanging from a lanyard.
Quarterback in orange practice jersey throws a football during a drill on a green field.2 with helmet and navy shorts visible.
Youth football player in an orange practice vest reaches for a pass, helmet on, teal gloves visible, on a grassy field.
Quarterback in orange jersey and helmet mid-throw on a grassy field with a coach watching in the background.
Youth football practice: player in orange jersey number 9 reaches up to catch a ball as others train in the background on a grassy field.
Young football player in an orange jersey and helmet sprints across a grassy field during practice, with a teammate nearby.
Football players in orange jerseys lined up at the line of scrimmage, center snapping the ball during a practice play.
Close-up of a football player wearing an orange facemask and navy helmet during a team huddle or pre-game moment.
Football practice scene: player in orange jersey #13 kicking a ball on a grassy field, with another player in the background.
Football player sprinting with ball on a grassy field, wearing helmet and dark sleeveless shirt, orange facemask visible in background.

Year four appears to have all the pieces for another successful season off Exit 8. Kirkwood features around 130 players on its roster, giving the Cobras one of the deepest teams in Montgomery County. Even with talent on both sides of the ball, Kirkwood’s success has consistently started under center.

The jump from 5-5 in Year 1 to 8-3 in Year 2 coincided with the arrival of quarterback transfer Miles Reding. In his first two seasons as the starter, Reding earned back-to-back Region MVP honors, finished as a Mr. Tennessee Football semifinalist and helped build one of the state’s most explosive passing offenses. This season, the senior quarterback may have his best group of playmakers yet.

The Cobras return three of their four leading receivers from last season in seniors Jadon Portis, Jayven Norris and Arkansas commit Parker Keenan. The depth continues with younger receivers Dallas Clark and 6-foot-3 Tamarco Vereen. Add in basketball standouts Travis Rivers and Aree Hines, and it’s easy to understand why expectations are so high.

Kirkwood football’s high expectations

Although Watson isn’t as eager as his players to publicly state the team’s ultimate goal, he still believes this group is capable of making a deep postseason run.

“I don’t think you can ever achieve a state championship unless you strive for it and chase it. But ultimately, our main goal is to win a region championship,” Watson said. “I think this team is built to make a run. I think we’ve got a lot of good depth. I don’t think we’re anywhere near ready right now, but if we work hard day in and day out and continue to improve, the sky’s the limit with this team.”

Coach wearing a navy cap and gray sleeveless shirt raises a clenched fist and speaks to players on a sports field during practice, with a clipboard hanging from a lanyard.
Kirkwood football practice on July 24, 2026 (Knox Rives)

Kirkwood’s biggest question mark in 2026 will be along the offensive line. Tennessee signee Kamari Blair leaves a major hole as he heads to Knoxville, creating questions about how well Reding will be protected. Senior tackle Torriq Brooks has the size and experience to shoulder much of the load, but replacing Blair’s production won’t be easy.

“I don’t think you ever replace a Kamari Blair. I’ve been doing this, I guess, 18 or 19 years now, and I’ve never had a kid like him,” Watson said. “The good thing about offensive line, it’s not about one person. It’s about being a better unit.”

Clarksville Now player to watch: Miles Reding

Kirkwood has lived and died with Reding throughout his time with the program and fortunately for the Cobras, they haven’t lost many games with him under center.

Reding’s ability to stretch the field and find playmakers is an asset few teams in the state can match. With what could be the best receiving corps of his young career, the ceiling is as high as it’s ever been for the senior quarterback.

“The most important goal is to win as a team and make a deep run in the playoffs,” Reding said. “A state championship is the biggest goal. A region championship too. A personal goal, I want to win Mr. Football during my senior year.”

If Reding has enough time in the pocket, he could be in line for the best season of his high-school career. One of the senior’s most underrated qualities is his ability to improvise when plays break down, often taking the pass rush out of the equation. If the offensive line develops as expected, Reding could very well accomplish many of the goals he’s set for himself.

Clarksville Now record prediction: Kirkwood 9-1

An undefeated regular season is absolutely on the table for this football team, but I expect one bump along the way. The Cobras have very few weaknesses, though an elite pass rush could create problems. Defensive coordinator Zach Eaton consistently fields one of the area’s top defenses, so as long as turnovers don’t become an issue, the offense should have enough margin for error to beat just about anyone.

Young football player in an orange jersey and helmet sprints across a grassy field during practice, with a teammate nearby.
Kirkwood football practice on July 24, 2026 (Knox Rives)

Kirkwood’s two regular-season losses last year came to East Robertson and Henry County, both by one score. Those project to be the Cobras’ toughest tests again this fall. If Kirkwood can knock off Henry County to win the region, the Cobras would have the clearest path to a deep playoff run that a Montgomery County team has had in quite some time.

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