Kansas Pregame 8-Man Top 8: JT Prusa

Kansas Pregame polled 8-Man coaches earlier this month who voted for the top four seniors they coached against this season. Kansas Pregame staffers then used those votes to develop a Top 8 list of seniors for each division. Check out another Top 8 capsule below, and find the complete list of Top 8 selections, and the honorable mention list, here for 8-Man I and here for 8-Man II. 

South Central senior JT Prusa closed out an impressive high school football career with a dominant 2024 season, helping lead the Timberwolves to an 11-1 record and a semifinal appearance in the 8-Man Division I playoffs. Their only loss came against eventual state champion Hoxie, 42-28, in a hard-fought sub-state matchup.

Prusa’s leadership and versatility were the backbone of South Central’s success. After an offseason shoulder injury forced him to move from quarterback to running back and slot receiver, Prusa embraced his new role and continued to dominate on the field. Head coach Brett Westrup praised his character and dedication.

“JT’s athletic ability will be hard to replace in the 2025 season but his leadership, character and work ethic can’t be replaced. JT is the first to show up and the last to leave. He was always seen walking the locker room or double checking the bus after away games to make sure everything was picked up and clean. He takes every opportunity to help in the community also.”

Prusa was a gamebreaker in all aspects for the T-Wolves, whether running the ball, catching passes, or leading the defense.

“He has a natural playmaking ability that will make any coach look good,” Westrup said. “His ability to see the field and make plays in space is something that we might not ever see again at South Central. JT was the field general on offense no matter what position he was playing. He got to where he would call plays because he could see where the weak spots in the defense were. Get the ball to JT in space and let the kid make a play!”

Prusa’s senior season included several memorable performances, highlighted by his role in South Central’s 60-12 Sectional win over Hill City, where he hauled in four receptions for 171 yards and four touchdowns. Another standout moment came in the semifinal matchup against Hoxie, the last high school game of his high school football career.

“We had the ball on our own 15 yard line with 11 seconds before half and I knew they were going to drop six to keep anyone from getting behind the defense,” Westrup said. “Which took away any deep pass routes. We lined up in a spread formation to run the secondary off, put JT at running back, and ran an option to get him into space. JT ended up making a few guys miss and took it to the house for a touchdown with no time left on the clock.” 

Statistically, Prusa finished his 2024 campaign with 1,089 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on 109 carries, 652 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 21 catches, and three passing touchdowns. On defense, he contributed 40 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Over his career, he amassed 4,780 total offensive yards, 96 total touchdowns, and 178 tackles.

Prusa’s impact extended off the field as well. He was a two-time team captain, voted on by his teammates, and consistently led by example.

“He is always willing to do whatever it takes to make his team better,” Westrup said. “Even if that means he has to move positions.”

Success on the gridiron runs in the family for Prusa. His first cousin, senior Bucklin quarterback and defensive back Lucas Kirk, was also named to the 8-Man Top 8 list in Division II. 

Once high school is wrapped up, Prusa plans to attend Barton Community College to pursue a degree in carpentry and business management. After college, he intends to return to Coldwater and start his own construction business, continuing to contribute to his community in the years to come.