Xavier Pratt made a significant impact on Homewood-Flossmoor’s football team by scoring a pivotal touchdown that revitalized the team’s offense after a slow start. Pratt, a junior receiver and tight end, also executed the long snap for the extra point, showcasing his versatility. Although the role of a long snapper is often overlooked, it is crucial and only noticed when a mistake happens. Pratt mentioned, “I started doing it last year. It really just makes me versatile. I feel like that’s big to maybe show recruiters. I can score a touchdown and then get back calm, cool and collected and snap the ball.” His consistency in multiple roles is vital for the Vikings.
During a match against Richards, Pratt’s 19-yard touchdown reception from Rahsaan Coleman helped the team secure a 35-0 victory. Coleman performed well, completing 11 of 18 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard pass to Ashton Jones. Theodore Williams, a sophomore running back, contributed 71 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. The Vikings’ defense was led by Robert Williams III and Zen Cambric, each securing an interception, with Williams returning his for a touchdown. Javier Stewart provided defensive strength with a sack and tackle for loss, and Isaiah Flowers added to the defense with an interception.
The first half was competitive, with Richards trailing by just 7-0. After halftime, Coleman and Pratt connected for a 19-yard touchdown on a third-and-9 play, sparking the Vikings’ dominance. Pratt credited the coaching staff for motivating the team at halftime, “The coaches had a great talk with us at halftime and really pumped us up,” Pratt said. “I had to make a play. I knew the guy over me couldn’t guard me. I know Rahsaan was going to deliver and I made the play.” Coleman expressed confidence in Pratt’s abilities, saying, “Xavier is a machine. I’ve got to say it’s his discipline and his work ethic.”
In addition to his offensive performance, Pratt embraces the demanding role of long snapping. He acknowledged its challenges but is committed to fulfilling his team responsibilities. “I figured I could do it and I just ran with it,” Pratt stated. “For me, pressure builds diamonds. I’ve always been taught to just handle the pressure and do what I’ve got to do for my team.” Pratt’s toughness stems from his wrestling background, having competed since age five, which he believes contributes to his mentality on the football field.
Pratt’s touchdown catch initiated a 28-point surge in the second half for Homewood-Flossmoor. The team’s defense achieved a shutout for the second consecutive week after defeating Bolingbrook 31-0 in their season opener. Coach Troy McAllister attributed defensive success to their strong defensive line, saying, “On defense, I think it starts up front for us with our D-line. They’ve been dominant. That allows our back-end guys to just run around and make plays.”
McAllister has great trust in Pratt, whose family has strong ties to Homewood-Flossmoor football. Pratt’s father, Alexander, serves as an assistant coach, while his brother, also named Alexander, was a standout quarterback for the team. “Xavier is a coach’s son,” McAllister said. “He’s been around this program since he was basically born and he’s got such a high football IQ. Then you add in that he’s 6-3, 210 (pounds) and he’s a competitor. He’s kind of the engine that makes our offense work.”