Litchfield Dragons

Litch plans to restock the cupboard

Dragons return talent after winning the section title

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

LITCHFIELD — The Litchfield football team has hopes of replicating last year’s section championship team.

But in order to do that, the Dragons are going to have to replace a strong senior class that got the school its first section title since 2006.

“Although we will sorely miss some talented seniors who set multiple school records, the cupboards are not bare for the Dragons,” said head coach Jim Jackman, who is 34-43 heading into his ninth year leading Litchfield.

Last season, the Dragons ranked third in Class AAA with 41.3 points per game on the way to a 6-1 record. That included a 55-14 win over Rockford in the Section 2AAA title game.

Litchfield has two players hoping to replace All-Area quarterback Ben Alsleben in seniors Logan King and Beau Weseloh. King is also a first-team All-District safety, coming up with 68 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. For pass catchers, the Dragons will rely on seniors Ryan Schutz and Tanner Kohls while in the backfield, Jackman said the team will take a committee approach early on.

Both the offensive and defensive line units will be led by 6-foot-4, 285-pound senior Dom Dietel. A first team All-District offensive tackle in 2020, Dietel currently has offers to play in the NSIC from Bemidji State and the University of Mary.

There’s less mystery around the defense, which boasts three All-District honorees. Along with King and Kohls (All-District honorable mention, cornerback), the defense will be led by senior middle linebacker Wyatt Larson. An All-District first teamer last fall, Larson had 67 tackles (four for loss), a sack and a fumble recovery. Kohls was second on the team with three interceptions. The Dragons also have senior Kole Bartlett at linebacker.

“There are many spots where competition is ongoing as the Dragons look to find the best 11 to defend their section championship,” Jackman said.

Litchfield’s season will get underway on Friday, Sept. 3 at Milaca. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Holy Family Catholic.

Litchfield’s Dom Dietel (74) pressures Watertown-Mayer’s Albert Rundell during a East District South game on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 in Watertown.