For every Elven Man team in Kansas, they desire to play on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Playing on this day means they made it to the State Championship game.
This year, the Class 4A Division II Championship pitted the Hayden Wildcats of Topeka against the Pratt Greenbacks.
Hayden entered the game with an 8-4 record, but most of those losses came to teams in higher classifications. Pratt only recorded one loss on their way to the game, and that was from a very highly ranked Hoisington team.
The Wildcats won the coin toss and received the ball. Pratt’s defense immediately asserted their dominance and forced a three-and-out. Then the offense took over and scored their first touchdown easily.
Hayden would score two touchdowns on the day, but those could not compare to the onslaught from the Greenbacks. Pratt went on to win the game, and the State Championship, with a score of 48 to 14.
Below are some of the pictures I took at the game:
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The Pratt Greenbacks huddle up during warmups. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Pratt High School Marching Band performs prior to the game from the stands. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Fans of the Pratt Greenbacks cheer as the team is announce prior to the start of the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Members of the Pratt Greenbacks kneel in prayer prior to the start of the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Dan Page of KWCH videos the Pratt Greenbacks taking the field prior to the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback fans release balloons into the air during the pre-game festivities. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Pratt Greenbacks take the field prior to the game. The Hayden Wildcats and the Pratt Greenbacks compete in the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
A flag signed by the teammates flies over the Pratt Greenbacks as they take the field. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hayden Wildcats prepare to take the field. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The mascot for the Pratt Greenbacks leads the crowd in a cheer. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Team captains gather for the coin toss prior to the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Noah Myers (#10) kicks off the ball to start the football game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Sampson Huston (#1) calls out the cadence. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Hunter Kaufman (#1) rushes with the ball to the end zone to score a touchdown. The Hayden Wildcats and the Pratt Greenbacks compete in the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Hunter Kaufman (#1) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Jackson Bailey (#54). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Landen Studer (#6) holds the ball as Noah Myers (#10) kicks a Point After Touchdown. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Sampson Huston (#1) hands the ball off to Hayden Wildcat Andrew Smith (#20). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Sampson Huston (#1) throws a pass. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Sampson Huston (#1) punts the ball early in the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) finds a hole to run through. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) looks back to see if anyone is near him on his way to the end zone to score a touchdown. The Hayden Wildcats and the Pratt Greenbacks compete in the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) scores the first of his four touchdowns for the day. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
A Pratt High student cheers after a touchdown is scored. The Hayden Wildcats and the Pratt Greenbacks compete in the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Members of the Hayden Wildcats take a knee on the sideline as trainers tend to an injured player. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Pratt Greenback sideline takes a knee as an injured teammate is tended to. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Sampson Huston (#1) takes the hiked ball from Kyle Meier (#60). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Drew Roadhouse (#8) swallows up a Hayden Wildcat receiver. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Deshawn Hanika (#5) pulls in a reception. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Deshawn Hanika (#5) looks back to see if anyone is close to him as he heads for the end zone. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hayden student section celebrates a scored touchdown. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Patrick Ellrich (#38) kicks off the ball. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Landen Studer (#6) throws a pass. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Noah Myers (#10) prepares to punt the ball. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Pratt Greenback offensive line fires off the ball. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) escapes a tackle to score his second touchdown of the day. The Hayden Wildcats and the Pratt Greenbacks compete in the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) finds the end zone for another touchdown. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Landen Studer (#6) calls out the cadence for the play. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Noah Myers (#10) kicks off the football after a touchdown. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) tackles Hayden Wildcat Andrew Smith (#20). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Nick Lucas (#3) knocks away a pass meant for Hayden Wildcat Dylan Smith (#11). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Logan Baird (#34) looks back to catch a pass for a touchdown. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Deshawn Hanika (#5) reacts to dropping a pass in the second quarter. The Hayden Wildcats and the Pratt Greenbacks compete in the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Justin Lamatsch (#73) consoles Hunter Kaufman (#1) after a game ending ankle injury. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) extends his arm for a stiff arm. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hayden Wildcat defense closes around Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Landen Studer (#6) calls out a changed play. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Brayan Balderrama (#7) falls back for more yards. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) sprints down the field for his fourth touchdown of the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Noah Myers (#10) kicks a Point After Touchdown as Landen Studer (#6) holds. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Head Coach Jamie Cruce calls out to a player to get into the right position. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Dylan Smith (#11) finds the end zone to score a touchdown. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hayden Wildcat Andrew Smith (#20) receives a stiff arm from Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The scoreboard shows the stats for Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) near the end of the third quarter. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
A fan holds up a sign for Pratt Greenback Justin Lamatsch (#73). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Head Coach Jamie Cruce congratulates Hunter Kaufman (#1). The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Travis Theis (#5) and his Head Coach Jamie Cruce hug following the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt players douse Pratt Greenback Head Coach Jamie Cruce with water following the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Members of the Pratt Greenbacks and the Hayden Wildcats shake hands following the game. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenbacks Hunter Kaufman (#1) and Travis Theis (#5) who both scored in the game embrace while waiting for the Championship trophy. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Head Coach Jamie Cruce holds the State Championship Trophy aloft. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Hunter Huber (#40) kisses the State Championship Trophy. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Pratt Greenbacks hold the State Championship Trophy aloft. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Pratt Greenback Bryce Stegman (#78) kisses the State Championship Trophy. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Pratt Greenbacks pose for a picture with the State Championship Trophy. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Members of the Pratt Greenbacks sing “If You are Happy and You Know It” to their supporters. The Pratt Greenbacks defeated the Hayden Wildcats 48 to 14 to win the KSHSAA Class 4A Division II State Championship Game at Salina Stadium in Salina, Kansas on November 26, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
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