Different result could surface for Waubonsie Valley

Moving the Class 8A first-round game between evenly matched Waubonsie Valley and "host" Downers Grove South to Benedictine University could produce an unintended effect.

The last time Waubonsie Valley was on that artificial surface, the Warriors lost 25-17 to Naperville Central in the Aug. 29 opener.

"I know they're excited going to Benedictine, because they feel like they've got a little unfinished business from the last time they went there," said coach Paul Murphy, able to find practice time on Metea Valley's new turf field.

It's hard to decide who benefits more by the switch from the mud-laden field of No. 7 seed Downers Grove South. Pitting the likes of Waubonsie Valley quarterback Kenny Clay, fast-track runner Tre Clark and linebackers Rickey Simpson and Owen Saldana against the Mustangs' Illinois-bound quarterback Chandler Whitmer, receiver Jason Jozaites and defensive lineman Tyler Rocco, each team has speed.

"I don't know how much more it's going to be beneficial for us because they've got some great athletes, too," said Downers South coach John Belskis, the 2001 8A champion making his 13th straight playoff appearance. "It's about doing what's best for the kids, and the best thing to do was to move the game."

Downers Grove South (7-2), coming off its annual West Suburban Gold title, has been hampered by injury and a revolving door on the offensive line.

Thanks to players like defensive back JoJo Ciancio, receiver Ryan Oruche and running back Reggie Miller, the Mustangs recovered from Weeks 1-2 losses to Bolingbrook and Glenbard West until sophomore running back Josh Williams, linebacker Jim Campion and long returning starting lineman Jason Ulrich got back from injury.

Waubonsie Valley (6-3), derailed by Week 5-6 losses to Neuqua Valley (on turf) and St. Charles East, has since bounced back. Linemen Mike Barnett and Andrew Szott, receiver Scott Kuehn hope the Warriors can lay off their main bugaboo, turnovers.

"At times we look really good, at other times we haven't," Murphy said. "To me it's a big measuring stick to see how far we've come in the five years I've been at Waubonsie Valley."