Football: Litchfield Dragons ready for some more success

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Sep. 1—LITCHFIELD — After winning Section 6AAA and making the state tournament for the first time since 2006, the Litchfield football team is looking for an encore.

Doing that will be no small feat for the Dragons. But, Litchfield is motivated to make it happen.

"Although the Dragons will look different in 2026, the foundation is in place for another competitive season," said Litchfield head coach Jim Jackman. He's 63-63 going into his 14th season. His assistants are Adam Hayes, Alex Wannigman, Wyatt Quring, Jacob Wandersee, Tyler Storm, Drew Heslip, Corey Smith, Bennett Lecher, Mike Wilson and Carter Wattenhofer.

"Replacing an experienced offensive line and quarterback won't be easy, but with one of the state's premier rushing attacks returning and proven playmakers at the skill positions, Litchfield has the talent to remain a formidable opponent every Friday night," Jackman said.

The Dragons must replace four offensive linemen, including Noah Dietel, who is in his first season at Division I South Dakota State. They also have to replace quarterback Alex Medina, who ran for 1,270 yards and 17 touchdowns and threw for 631 yards and five scores. Medina is playing at Division III Concordia-Moorhead.

Headlining that rushing attack is senior running back Anthony Taylor. Taylor, committed to Division II Minnesota-Duluth, ran for 1,997 yards and 30 TDs on 216 carries. He set school records for rushing TDs in a game with five), rushing yards in a game with 359, rushing yards in a season and rushing TDs in a season. Also a linebacker, Taylor had 46 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2025.

"He will once again be the focal point of the offense," Jackman said.

Senior Adrian Miller will also get carries at running back.

"Miller's versatility and production should help take pressure off the new quarterback while keeping defenses honest," Jackman said.

Out wide is senior Cole Palmer. He's a two-year starter at wide receiver and a three-year starter at cornerback.

"Palmer's experience, athleticism and leadership make him a reliable target and one of the team's most valuable two-way players," Jackman said.

The offensive line will be led by 5-foot-11, 185-pound center Owen Culbertson. He's a returning starter.

The Dragons' defense has more known quantities. Seven starters are back in the mix.

Senior Lucas Miller (5-11, 180) and junior Jalen Prevo (6-1, 225) return to the defensive line. The linebackers feature Taylor, Miller and junior inside backer Izrael Jimenez (6-0, 205). Palmer is joined in the secondary by junior safety Tyler Eichner (6-2, 175).

"The Dragons return a bit more experience on the defensive side of the ball," Jackman said. "While they must replace several key contributors, a number of returning players gained valuable experience in 2025 by rotating into the lineup and playing between 10-to-30 snaps per game. Those meaningful game reps should ease the transition into larger roles this season."

Jackman continued, "With several experienced rotational players ready to step into starting positions, the Dragons expect their defense to build on last year's foundation. That depth and experience should provide stability as the unit looks to remain a physical, disciplined defense throughout the 2026 season."

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