Reece Eftink flashes his defensive prowess in Kelly win

Kelly senior Reece Eftink is well known for being a workhorse running back and a mainstay in the Semoball Awards.

Friday's season opener was Eftink's chance to show his defensive side, as he scored a touchdown on an interception in the Hawks' 35-6 win over the Doniphan Dons in Benton, Missouri.

"It's always better to get in as a defensive dude," Eftink said.

Eftink ran straight into the passing lane, caught the ball, and dashed toward the end zone without ever breaking stride. Preparation and opportunity met for the lucky linebacker.

"We've been practicing that all week," Eftink said. "We've been repping that play all week, both sides of the ball. I just knew sooner or later it was coming. The running back went out and I was like, 'Oh yeah, here it comes.' I had time to adjust, right where the ball hit me in the facemask because I ran through there, just basically cut off the pass."

When it comes to turnovers, Eftink is more used to forcing and scooping up fumbles. Creating turnovers in the passing game is novel to him but an aspect that makes him more dangerous on defense.

"We had to switch it up since Doniphan switched up their offense," Eftink said. "They went more to a spread so we had to play the pass a little bit more this year than last year."

"Reece gets downhill," Kelly head coach Lance Powers said. "Whether it's on offense or defense, Reece is gonna bring it every Friday night."

Eftink made strides in the weight room leading up to this season. The senior spent the summer staring at the record board, chasing those numbers with each session.

After being twice named a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year in the Semoball Awards, the goal for Eftink may actually be to go back, but as a defensive finalist.

"I have goals to score more touchdowns on defense than offense because I love defense," Eftink said.

The Hawks return home for Week 2 with a matchup against Malden on September 1.