Can Downers S. score against Glenbard N.?

Here's an argument for looking ahead...

In seven combined state semifinal appearances Glenbard North and Downers Grove South lost only once apiece. History, therefore, favors the winner of Saturday's Class 8A quarterfinal football showdown in Carol Stream.

Getting there won't be easy.

A key matchup looms between Downers South's diverse offense - featuring University of Illinois-bound quarterback Chandler Whitmer, receiver Jason Jozaites and sophomore running back Josh Williams - and the Panthers' dynamite defense that last week notched its sixth shutout of the season and second straight in the playoffs.

After outscoring two postseason opponents by a margin of 56-0, No. 3 Glenbard North (10-1) aims to shut down a seventh-seeded Downers South (9-2) team that's won nine straight games, including last week's victory over Bolingbrook.

"A shutout is never our goal," said Glenbard North coach Ryan Wilkens. "We just need to slow them as much as we can. They're pretty multiple offensively."

Last week Glenbard North had little trouble slowing Sandburg's run-dominant offense, allowing 60 total yards. Downers South presents a slew of additional challenges including the Whitmer-to-Jozaites tandem that's accounted for 14 catches, 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the playoffs.

If Downers South can protect Whitmer from the likes of Glenbard North defensive linemen Nick Abbate and Chris Gavigan, the third-year starter will take advantage. After the Panthers notched 5 sacks last week, however, that's a pretty big "if."

"We've seen a lot of good teams, and we've weathered the storm," said Mustangs coach John Belskis. "We bring something different to the table that Sandburg didn't."

The offensive mission is equally clear for Glenbard North. The Panthers need to keep running back Evin Natick plowing behind a talented and experienced offensive line. In the playoffs Natick's carried the ball 53 times for 368 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Glenbard North also needs to overcome an ankle injury sustained by standout receiver Mike Carev, although early this week Wilkens believed Carev might be able to play. While quarterback Tom Traficanti hasn't been as explosive as Whitmer, his play-action passes to Carev and Jason Spencer have proven to be very effective.

"We're going to have to play our best game of the year, and they might, too," Belskis said. "That's the way it is at this point in the playoffs."