Friday Night Flashback & Game Recap: Honoring Coach Jim Lewis as Hesston Tops Pratt (41-6)
It was a historic, emotion-filled night under the Friday night lights in Pratt as the Greenbacks hosted Hesston. Beyond the action on the field, the community gathered to celebrate a monumental night for Greenback football history: honoring legendary former head coach Jim Lewis (who led the program from 1964 to 1979) and announcing the official renaming of the PHS Senior Athlete of the Year award to the Coach Jim Lewis Senior Athlete of the Year award, complete with an accompanying $1,000 scholarship.
Unfortunately, the momentum on the gridiron belonged to a potent Hesston squad, as the Swathers capitalized on an explosive passing attack to defeat Pratt 41-6.
Game Summary & Stats Breakdown
Hesston (2-0) came out firing on all cylinders, putting together a dominant offensive performance led by quarterback Jerick Humphreys. Humphreys put on a masterclass through the air, completing 18 of 20 passes for 261 yards and an incredible 5 touchdowns.
The Swathers struck early in the first quarter, building a 20-0 lead behind touchdown strikes to Gavin Larson (11 yards), Kason Landes (36 yards), and Max Phillips (34 yards). Hesston added to their lead before halftime when Humphreys connected with Eli Haug on a explosive 68-yard touchdown pass.
Pratt (1-1) fought hard to find a rhythm against a stingy Hesston defense. Trailing in the second quarter, the Greenbacks put together a brilliant 10-play, 64-yard drive culminating in quarterback Max Thimesch finding Matthew James for a 14-yard touchdown pass.
Pratt finished the night with 213 yards of total offense (139 passing, 74 rushing). Thimesch went 13-of-29 for 139 yards and a score, with James leading the receiving corps (3 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD) alongside Logan Shinkle-Hamilton (3 catches, 44 yards). Christian Cichon paced the ground game with 47 yards on 17 carries.
However, Hesston’s high-flying attack proved too much to overcome. Second-half scoring strikes—including a 52-yard bomb from Humphreys to Larson and a 26-yard rushing TD by Humphreys—sealed the 41-6 final.
Looking Forward
While the scoreboard didn't go the Greenbacks' way, the night served as a powerful reminder of what makes Pratt football special: a deep-rooted community, storied traditions, and a legacy of excellence built by legends like Coach Jim Lewis. The Greenbacks will look to bounce back next week as they hit the road for conference play.
Key Stats & Box Score
Final Score
Hesston: 41
Pratt: 6
Team Statistics
Total Offense: Hesston 355 yards (40 plays) | Pratt 213 yards (57 plays)
Rushing Yards: Hesston 94 yards (20 carries) | Pratt 74 yards (28 carries)
Passing Yards: Hesston 261 yards | Pratt 139 yards
First Downs: Hesston 14 | Pratt 17
Turnovers: Hesston 0 | Pratt 1 (1 interception)
Penalties: Hesston 6-61 yds | Pratt 3-35 yds
Passing Leaders
Hesston: Jerick Humphreys — 18/20, 261 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT
Pratt: Max Thimesch — 13/29, 139 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Leaders
Hesston: Jerick Humphreys — 9 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD
Pratt: Christian Cichon — 17 carries, 47 yards
Receiving Leaders
Hesston: Gavin Larson — 7 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TD
Pratt: Matthew James — 3 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD
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