BY BUDDY TABLER

Special to the Tribune

LARNED -- The Pratt Greenbacks use a strong running game to disappoint a Larned Homecoming crowd with a 41-6 win. Due to approaching weather and lightning, the game was called after three quarters.

Pratt caught a break early in the game when an inadvertent whistle took away a fumble recovery by Larned. Pratt's second,life delivered a 25-yard touchdown reception pass by Cade Liggett with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter.

On Larned’s first possession of the game, Pratt blocked a punt and recovered at the Larned 35. Arley Morrell ran in the touchdown for a quick 14-0 lead.

After a Pratt interception of a Mason Miller pass, Kyler Barker scrambled for a 3-yard touchdown run with 9:48 remaining in the second quarter, and the Greenbacks for a 20-0 lead.

After Pratt’s defense Larned to punt, Pratt returned the punt 40 yards to Larned’s 10-yard line. Liggett scored on a 10-yard touchdown for a 26-0 lead. 

Larned’s's Tristin Regan snared a 45-yard pass from Mason Miller and rambled to the Pratt 13-yard line. With 1:09 remaining before halftime, Miller connected with Regan for a 14-yard touchdown pass, for a 26-6 score.

Pratt’s strong defensive line stymied the Larned running game all evening. Inspired play by Arley Morrell, a 6-6,  220-pound linebacker who's headed to Colorado State University. Morrell was helped by the play of 6-1, 270-pound Madden Wilson, who left Larned’s backs little space to run. They kept pressure on Larned’s quarterback Miller, forcing him to get rid of the ball, possession- after-possession. 

Larned’s running game netted 63 yards. Larned’s passing game had seven completions for 107 yards. Pratt piled up 138 yards rushing and 169 yards passing. 

Pratt (2-1) travels to Chaparral while Larned (0-3) travels to unbeaten Russell (3-0).