CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kirkwood High School Cobras football team is entering their first season of play, and their expectations are clear to open the year: They hope to grow consistently.
The Cobras are led by head coach Chad Watson, who’s all too familiar with the Clarksville area. Watson began his career as an assistant for Northeast High and Clarksville Academy.
After his latest coaching stint with Gallatin High, Watson returned to Clarksville to coach Kirkwood. During his introductory press conference, Watson told attendees that he and his family plan to stay in the city for a long, long time.
2023-24 season
Watson told Clarksville Now that one thing he has seen from his new team is their willingness to learn.
He mentioned that they work well together too. They’re buying into the idea of starting something new, and the foundation is being built for something special.
They’re also one of the youngest teams in Montgomery County.
“The majority of our school is made up of freshmen and sophomores,” Watson said. “Youth will be one factor, but along with that, hopefully we see our team continue to get better throughout the course of the season, just because we have so many guys that don’t have game experience on Friday nights.”
Watson said one position group that has caught his eye is the running backs. He said the entire running back room has impressed, and their depth will play to their advantage.
He said his wide receivers have also stood out this off-season, alongside projected starting quarterback Lee Buggs.
Offensive and defensive expectations
Offensively, Watson told Clarksville Now that Kirkwood’s offense will push the pace against opponents, with the goal of getting a play off every 10 seconds. He wants his team to have a balanced attack, which means being able to run or throw the ball when called upon.
As for their Cobras’ defense, they’ll be utilizing a 4-2-5 formation, otherwise known as a nickel defense. More often than not, Kirkwood will have four defensive linemen on the field, along with 2 linebackers and 5 defensive backs. Watson said they will throw multiple coverages at opponents to keep opposing teams guessing.
His coaching staff has emphasized technique, while continuously teaching their student-athletes the strategy behind their decisions.
What’s next
Watson and Kirkwood High football will transition into playing in Region 7-6A when the 2023-24 football season officially kicks off. The Cobras will begin their season when they travel to take on Sycamore High on Aug. 18.
According to Max Preps, here are the Cobras’ remaining opponents for the 2023-24 season:
- Home against Montgomery Central on Aug. 25.
- Home against Northwest on Sept. 1.
- Home against Northeast on Sept. 8.
- Away against Dickson County on Sept. 15.
- Home against Rossview on Sept. 22.
- Away against Liberty Creek on Sept. 29.
- Home against Clarksville High on Oct. 6.
- Away against Kenwood on Oct. 20.
- Away against West Creek on Oct. 27.