SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Pratt Greenbacks
The 2025 season will be a test of growth and grit for the Pratt Greenbacks, who are replacing a highly successful senior class but return a fast and determined core under seventh-year head coach Brent Hoelting.
“How we progress up front will be a key indicator for how our season goes,” said Hoelting, who holds a 28-27 record at Pratt and is 65-42 overall in his head coaching career. “Our attention to detail and work ethic will have to be very good for us to be successful.”
The Greenbacks return three offensive starters and five on defense from last year’s squad, and while they’ll be smaller than in recent years, Hoelting believes the team’s speed and skill position talent will keep them competitive.
Junior quarterback Cresten Pore headlines the returners on offense, along with tight end Arley Morrell, a recent Colorado State commit, and offensive lineman Josiah Schmidt. Morrell brings athleticism and leadership to both sides of the ball as a hybrid playmaker at TE/DE.
“We will have more speed on the offensive side of the ball than we have had since I have been here,” Hoelting said. “But we will be by far smaller than we have ever been.”
Defensively, the Greenbacks will rely on their aggression and pursuit. Linebackers Luke Gatlin, Kyler Barker, and Gavin Rupe, along with strong safety Caleb Strong, give Pratt an experienced core that will fly to the football. Hoelting acknowledged the team will be undersized up front but hopes to overcome it with “aggression and speed.”
New contributors expected to make an impact include Cade Liggett (RB/LB), Hudson Titus (WR/DB), and Landon Demuth (WR/DE), all showing signs of being Friday-night ready.
“We have a bunch of young kids working very hard for a chance to play on Friday nights,” Hoelting said. “We play in a really tough league and district, and we look forward to getting a chance to compete in the fall.”
The Greenbacks also bring in a new voice on defense with Kendall Miller taking over as defensive coordinator. He joins a veteran staff including Parker Titus (DBs), Jake Eisenhauer (WRs), Jason Gallagher (DL), and Tyler Strong (OL).
With a reshaped roster, new coaching leadership on defense, and a chip on their shoulder, the Greenbacks are embracing the challenge.
2025 Schedule
Sept. 5 at Hoisington
Sept. 12 vs. Halstead
Sept. 19 at Larned
Sept. 26 at Chaparral
Oct. 3 vs. Wichita Collegiate
Oct. 10 vs. Phillipsburg
Oct. 17 at Clearwater
Oct. 24 vs. Cheney