By Ken Hansard
Coach: JOSH LATTIMER
(Record) 7-3
OFFENSE
Fourth-year Head Coach Josh Lattimer spent much of the off-season concentrating on reloading, after Pittsburg graduated a large host of senior starters, many of whom went on to pursue athletic careers at the next level. Last year, Lattimer had a great core of seniors who helped put together an eye-opening campaign, “Our chemistry and leadership allowed us to have some success, but 5A East was loaded!” After a strong regular season, the Dragons fell to eventual State Champion St. Thomas Aquinas 14-28 in the second round of the playoffs.
Lattimer has built his program with a “next man up” mentality, where seniors model the culture for the younger players. “Our seniors set the standard of excellence. We count on them to lead vocally and by example, modelling all aspects of the program. We’ll continue to work extremely hard and keep improving our culture.”
Pittsburg’s offense utilizes the flexbone and will continue to lean heavily on the run game. “We’ve been able to establish a strong run game in our offense over the course of the last three years. Defensively this makes us play the run well, too.”
Although the Dragons graduated most of their skill players, they return several linemen who helped pave the way for success, including Jaycee Patterson (5-8, 215, Sr.). Patterson and his fellow teammates in the trenches helped Pittsburg to rush for over 300 yards per game last season. The offense will run through last year’s JV QB Christian Krogen (6-0, 165, Jr.). A couple of his primary targets should include wide receiver Malakai Meadows (5-9, 160, Sr.), who recorded 274 yards of receiving last year and tight end Cole Hayden (6-2, 230, Sr.). Pitt also has a special weapon in kicker Armando Rueda (6-2, 240, Sr.), who was an Honorable Mention All-State candidate in 2024. A few players who should see action at running back include JaMarcus Davis (5-10, 170, Jr.), Mason Deringer (5-8, 180, Sr.), and Christian Patrick (5-8, 160, Sr.).
DEFENSE
On defense, the Purple Dragons run multiple coverages out of a 4-3 set. The defense is captained by De’Marus Partee (6-2, 205, Sr). Partee recorded 66 tackles last season, including 34 solo, with 20 TFLs and eight sacks. He was named 1st Team All-State and was a 5A Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Mason Benson (5-11, 220, Sr.) is another returner for the Dragons linebacker corps, and d-back Courtland Jones (5-8, 155, Sr. RB/DB) recorded 37 tackles with an interception, a forced fumble and recovery. One of the anchors on the defensive line will be Honorable Mention All-State nominee Parker Pinamonti (6-0, 235, Sr.) who recorded 52 tackles, including 27 solo, 18 TFLs, and 6 sacks.
Coach Lattimer and his staff preach “Discipline, accountability, and toughness. It’s important for us to achieve a high standard of team chemistry. Along the way, we want to learn to trust the process of competing at a championship level. We also aim to teach our kids to give our best effort until the clock reads 00:00. Most importantly, we want to play for our teammates, our families, and our community and make the past players of the program proud. We want them to appreciate that wearing the Purple is an honor and a privilege.”
2025 Schedule
9/5 @Emporia
9/12 @Shawnee Mission South
9/19 @Labette County
9/26 Fort Scott
10/3 Paola
10/10 @Smithville, MO
10/17 Chanute
10/24 @Topeka High
