Featuring photography by Rachelle Isgriggs
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Kai Speaks
Cedar Crest has plenty of weapons in an offense that has helped the Falcons race out to a perfect start. During a Week 3 matchup with Warwick, Kai Speaks showed just how quickly he can change a game.
The senior delivered 3 explosive touchdowns in Cedar Crest’s 45-24 victory over the Warriors. Speaks caught 2 passes for 106 yards, with both going for touchdowns, and added a 95-yard kickoff return for another score. His performance helped the Falcons improve to 3-0 and earned Speaks LebCo Athlete of the Week honors.
Speaks, whose given name is Malachi but goes almost exclusively by his nickname “Kai,” was quick to recognize the teammates who helped spring his long return.
“I was able to score two touchdowns, and thanks to the guys on kick return, I was able to take one to the house,” said Speaks.
The performance was another example of the big-play ability Speaks brings to a Cedar Crest offense with several options. A week later, he added 3 catches for 27 yards as the Falcons defeated Hempfield 28-19 in their Section 1 opener.
The victory pushed Cedar Crest to 4-0, continuing an impressive start that has included wins over Central Dauphin East, Lebanon, Warwick, and Hempfield.
Speaks sees his role within that offense as giving quarterback Steven Reyes another option in the passing game, whether that means moving the chains or providing the type of explosive play he delivered against Warwick.
The connection between Speaks and Reyes has been particularly meaningful to the senior receiver. Speaks credits his quarterback with developing a strong relationship both on and off the field.
“I want to thank Steven (Reyes),” Speaks said. “We built a strong bond, and our communication is at its best. If we keep going, I think we are the best QB and WR duo in the L-L.”
That confidence matches the expectations Speaks has set for himself during his senior season. He is aiming for more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns, while hoping his performance puts him in position to earn All-State recognition or postseason honors such as MVP or Offensive Player of the Year.
Those goals come after Speaks reached another significant milestone during the offseason. Through the work he put in over the summer, he earned his first Division I football offer.
His long-term goal is to take advantage of an opportunity at that level.
“I want to play Division I football and make an impact my freshman year,” Speaks said.
Football, however, is only part of Speaks’ athletic experience at Cedar Crest. He also competes in basketball and Track & Field, making him a 3-sport athlete for the Falcons.
Athletic success also runs in the family. Kai’s older brother, Danny Speaks, enjoyed a decorated basketball career at Cedar Crest, helping the Falcons win back-to-back Lancaster-Lebanon League and Section 1 championships. As a senior, Danny led Cedar Crest with 13.4 points per game while earning First Team Section 1 and Second Team All-L-L honors. He went on to continue his basketball career at the Division II level at Lake Erie College.
Even when Kai is not training, much of his attention remains on finding ways to improve. He focuses on recovery, listens to music, and watches videos looking for things he can incorporate the next time he trains. R&B is his preferred music, while away from sports he also enjoys spending time in nature.
For all the individual goals he has set, Speaks points to the relationships created through athletics as one of the biggest reasons he enjoys competing.
“The brotherhood and bonds I get, just having fun, and always being able to learn,” said Speaks of what he enjoys most about sports.
There is also an unmistakable sense of urgency behind what Speaks wants from his final season at Cedar Crest.
“I want it all this year, and I’m willing to do anything to make sure we win,” Speaks said.
So far, the Falcons have done exactly that.
With four wins in four attempts, Cedar Crest now heads into one of its biggest challenges of the season with a Friday night trip to Manheim Township. For Speaks and the Falcons, it will be another opportunity to show just how far their strong start can take them.
Congratulations to Kai Speaks on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to him and the Falcons as they put their unbeaten record on the line against Manheim Township.
Photos by Rachelle Isgriggs
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Ryelee Mullen
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