2024 Interview with Keough Wood from Buena High School, Sierra Vista, AZ
Keough Wood
Buena High School, Sierra Vista, AZ
Long snapper and linebacker
2028
5’9, 195
Jersey Number 40
Awards won or earned: Southern Arizona Freshman of the year at Jet Sports training, which trains many of the best high school athletes in Tucson, I also won comeback player of the year for playing varsity as a freshman after missing all of 8th grade after knee surgery.
Memories from 2024
A recap of last year. I didn't get much varsity shine at linebacker, only playing in a few games, but I was blessed to be the starting long snapper all 12 games. I was also blessed to make it through the whole season without a bad snap. I played in 12 games last year including both playoff games. The biggest thing of all was just getting used to the standard set here at Buena. We hold ourselves to a high standard not just on the field but also in the classroom and weight room. And that was a big adjustment coming from middle school.
What or who got you started playing football?
My dad got me into football at a young age, first as a flag player then I started tackle when I was 8, playing with my nephew and cousin. At first it was just fun, but it eventually became my favorite thing in the world, and now I can confidently say anything I do with football in my life is a dedication to my family, especially my parents.
What keeps you playing the game?
I love the challenge it brings; it really is a chess match, but also it gives me something to look forward to, something I know I can do, and something I can chase at a high level.
What are your goals for the season?
I want to go 1-0 every week, and it starts in spring. We might not have a game, but that’s really where games are won—in the spring and summer. Also make the playoffs again and hopefully win the state title. My season goals are to challenge for a linebacker spot but, most importantly, be an all-region long snapper.
What has been your most embarrassing moment as an athlete?
My most embarrassing moment as an athlete was probably when I got smoked in my first state title wrestling match when I was 6. It made me work harder, and I won the state championship as a 7- and 9-year-old. I never wanted to feel like that again.
How did you get into long snapping?
I got into long snapping because of former Buena Colt legend and D1 long snapper Jovoni Borbon (SMU). I always looked up to him; he is another person I would also say got me into football because of watching him growing up. It made me want to play just like him.
What is the toughest part of being a linebacker?
The toughest part of linebacker is when you have a pulling guard twice your size coming at you unblocked.
What is your favorite part of being a linebacker?
My favorite part of being a linebacker is how hard I can hit someone and how, if I hit them so hard, I can hear their fans gasping. That's by far my favorite part.
What is the toughest weather for you to play in?
The toughest weather I've ever played in was probably when it was 20 degrees on a Friday night last year against Desert View. It's very hard to snap and to keep your hands warm.
What part of your game is the strongest?
I'd say my strength. I've made massive gains in the weight room in the off-season to get even stronger.
What is your game day routine?
The game day routine is simple. get some food with the team and then after our field walk its just headphones and music until we head out
Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?
Outside of sports, one thing I am involved in is sports medicine, where I just got accepted into an internship at Buena with our athletic trainer. It’s actually something I’d like to pursue when i graduate.
What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, just a special time of year to celebrate the birth of our lord Jesus with my family and close friends.
What is your favorite animal?
My favorite animal is a gorilla. I grew up watching all the King Kong movies, and Caesar from Planet of the Apes was my favorite character of all time. He was a leader and wasn’t afraid of anything.
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