Previewing: Downers Grove South

Downers Grove South football coach John Belskis prefers his view of quarterback Chandler Whitmer.

"He's one of those guys you'd rather coach than coach against," Belskis said. "He's a gifted young man."

Verbally committed to the University of Illinois and the 11th-ranked recruit in the state, according to Rivals.com analyst "Edgy" Tim O'Halloran, Whitmer's back for his third starting season to lead the Mustangs in another run toward the West Suburban Gold title and beyond.

Chandler threw for 1,430 yards and 13 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions as a junior and has plenty of talent surrounding him. Receiver Jason Jozaites caught 21 passes for 400 yards while sophomore Josh Williams, who rushed for 7 touchdowns in a lower-level game last season, is the latest in a long line of talented Mustangs running backs.

If Downers South can replace four graduated starters on the offensive line - not an easy task considering the Mustangs' difficult nonconference schedule - the unit has big-time potential.

"We've got some kids who can play there, but they're untested," said Belskis, whose team opens with state-ranked Bolingbrook and Glenbard West. "It's going to be a dogfight coming right out of the gate."

As the offensive line matures, early on the Mustangs may lean on a defense that returns eight starters. Defensive captain Tyler Rocco, linebacker Dan Miller and four returning defensive backs, including safety JoJo Ciancio, lead the way.

Heavily favored in the Gold, Whitmer and the Mustangs aim to repeat as champions and make a 13th straight trip to the postseason. After three straight first-round defeats, though, Downers South plans to stick around this time.

"We'll know where we're at pretty quickly," Belskis said. "It could be a really good group, but it'll be a test every single week."