The Pittsburg Dragons enter the 2026 football season with plenty of opportunities for new players to step into expanded roles.
Pittsburg finished 4-5 in 2025 and returns five offensive and five defensive starters. Head coach Josh Lattimer, who is entering his fifth year at the school, said replacing several players from last season will provide challenges, but the Dragons are focused on steady improvement.
“We will have several spots on offense & defense to replace from the previous year,” Lattimer said. “Our goal is to get better day by day and rep by rep.”
The Dragons will look to their senior class to establish the standard for the program.
“This senior class will be the leaders in charge of setting a great example for work ethic, discipline, accountability and toughness,” Lattimer said. “Our guys know how to work hard!”
One of the key players for Pittsburg will be senior JaMarcus Davis, a versatile athlete who plays quarterback, running back and defensive back. Davis took over at quarterback after Week 3 last season and has been a starting cornerback for the past two seasons.
Lattimer also selected Davis as the team’s MVP nominee.
“JaMarcus has been a utility player for us on both offense and defense,” Lattimer said. “He is a versatile athlete who makes plays. He is the best ball carrier on our team.”
Offensively, Pittsburg will continue to operate out of the flexbone as a triple-option team. The Dragons plan to use heavy formations and multiple motions to create opportunities in the running game while incorporating high-percentage passing plays.
Senior Alex Hinspeter and senior Garret Dillingham are among the other returning players expected to contribute. Hinspeter is an offensive and defensive lineman/linebacker, while Dillingham contributes at offensive line/tight end and defensive end.
Junior Jeremiah Lattimer, junior Landen Proffitt and senior Christian Krogen also return as key offensive players.
Defensively, the Dragons will operate primarily from a 4-3 alignment while utilizing multiple fronts and coverages. Pittsburg plans to apply pressure with five, six or seven defenders in an effort to create tackles for loss, sacks and turnovers.
Senior linebackers Ashton Bauder and Hinspeter, along with Dillingham, junior defensive end Dawsyn Mooney and senior defensive backs Kordae Hayes and Max Busch, are among the players expected to help lead the defense.
Pittsburg also will look for contributions from freshman Kingztun Pollard, who saw some varsity playing time last season. Pollard also competes in wrestling for the Dragons.
“He is a hard worker,” Lattimer said. “We are hoping he can make some plays for the team this season.”
Leadership will be another important part of the Dragons’ season, and Lattimer pointed to Busch as an example. The senior defensive back was selected as the team’s Character Counts athlete.
“We would take 100 Max Busch’s,” Lattimer said. “He is the type of player that holds a team together. He is our glue! Great attitude, effort and leadership.”
With experienced players returning on both sides of the ball and several new contributors expected to emerge, Pittsburg’s focus will remain on improvement throughout the season.
“We will continue to grow in the knowledge and performance of the game of football,” Lattimer said.
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