Despite Paynesville's win over Big Lake in their first game of the season, Aug. 28, the Bulldogs suffered a bad loss to the Dragons for the West Central Conference North opener for both teams.
The loss of Litchfield's star player, Tyler Braaten, due to a shoulder injury, didn't even seem to phase Litchfield as they battled fiercely to gain a six-point lead in the first quarter on a two-yard run.
The second quarter wasn't any better for the Bulldogs, as the Dragons scored on a 70-yard pass, and passed for two extra points. They again passed for 29 yards and ran for one, scoring two more touchdowns.
In the third, Litchfield scored on a blocked punt. Elmhorst was able to score on a 70-yard fumble return, but the Bulldogs were unable to come back, as they lost, 34-6.
Leading defense for the Bulldogs were Bill Stanger with 11 tackles, Dustin Looman with 10 tackles, and Tim Knapp with eight tackles.