Downers South's mission: defeat Bolingbrook

Now that Downers Grove South bucked one trend by notching its first playoff football victory since 2005, it's time to end another drought.

The Mustangs need to find a way to win at Bolingbrook.

The last two years Downers South lost on the Raiders' home field, including this year's opener when poor field conditions forced a site switch to Bolingbrook. The margin of the two stinging losses was a combined 3 points.

Motivation won't be hard to find for the seventh-seeded Mustangs (8-2) in a second-round Class 8A showdown against the No. 2 Raiders (9-1) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

"We left Bolingbrook in Week 1 thinking we found ways to lose that game," said Mustangs coach John Belskis after his team's 22-21 first-round win over Waubonsie Valley. "We know we're going to go in there and it's going to be a tough environment."

At times the Mustangs showed tremendous offensive ability against Waubonsie Valley, stretches they'll need to extend to earn their first quarterfinal berth since 2002.

University of Illinois-bound quarterback Chandler Whitmer and receiver Jason Jozaites combined for 9 passes, 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sophomore running back Josh Williams, out much of the year with an ankle injury, rushed for 73 yards in just his fourth game this season.

"We've got some weapons, there's no doubt about it," Belskis said. "If we stay healthy we'll be competitive throughout the playoffs."

Bolingbrook, which escaped with a 17-10 win over Lyons Twp. last week, again leans on a talented running back. Six-foot, 195-pound Jamel Martin, who scored on an 87-yard run last week, boasts six college scholarship offers.

Four Division I-bound players thrive on defense, including linebackers Marcus Lee and Mike Hellams, who's nursing a shoulder injury.

"They've got Division I kids all over the field," Belskis said. "But our kids have been there before and I don't think they'll be intimidated going in there."