Scouting the Downers Grove South Mustangs
In terms of his career, there is only one certainty for legendary Downers Grove South football coach John Belskis.
“The only thing I’m sure about is I’m retiring from teaching,” Belskis said. “Beyond that, it’s a conversation we’ll have down the road.”
In other words the Mustangs’ coach for the last 24 years will keep his focus where it’s always been — on the season at hand.
Downers South graduated 13 players now competing at college, a list that includes record-smashing running back Josh Williams. This year’s group has an interesting mix of talent, however, that could put the Mustangs back on top of the West Suburban Gold after Addison Trail snapped their streak of four straight titles.
The offense already had two quality quarterbacks in place with Paul Howatt and sophomore Jordan Skach, but the Mustangs received a big boost when Mike Zebold transferred in from Benet. They’ll all benefit from the return of receivers Kaylon Miller and Javon Turner.
It’s unfair to think anyone can replace Williams, but Brian Spain is an interesting running back who didn’t play last season. Junior Le’Devin Smith deepens the backfield in front of a line that returns two starters and one of the state’s top freshmen in 6-foot-7, 285-pound Erik Swenson.
“Down the road he may be the first kid to play on Sunday for us,” Belskis said. “He’s that good.”
Downers South typically hangs its hat on its defense, and this season the strength comes from the secondary with three returning starters in John Wauer, DeAndre Washington and Turner, who will see time on both sides of the ball.
Linebacker Rashaun Cowan is one of three juniors who started as sophomores on defense. While Luke Lathrop shifts from linebacker to tight end, Alec Arvanitakis shifts from tailback to defensive back and John Nugent moves from safety to linebacker. To shore up the line, Sean Eslit may move from offense to defense.
Belskis has faith in the changes.
“We have program kids and they buy into it,” he said. “Our system allows them to be successful.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: John Belskis (24th year, 197-57).
2011 record: 10-2, 5-1, second in West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Kaylon Miller (WR, 6-1, 165, sr.); Sean Eslit (OL-DL, 6-0, 240, sr.); Scott Mitchell (OL, 6-4, 240, sr.); Erik Swenson (OL, 6-7, 285, fr.); Mike Zebold (QB, 6-0, 160, sr.); Javon Turner (DB-WR, 6-0, 170, jr.); DeAndre Washington (DB, 5-10, 170, jr.); John Wauer (DB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Rashaun Cowan (LB, 6-0, 200, jr.); Brian Spain (RB, 5-11, 180, sr.); Luke Lathrop (TE, 6-2, 215, sr.).
Schedule
Sat, 8/25, Downers Grove South at South Elgin , 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Lyons Twp. at Downers Grove South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Downers Grove South at Morton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Leyden at Downers Grove South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Downers Grove South at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Willowbrook at Downers Grove South, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/6, Downers Grove South at Proviso East, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Downers Grove South at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Addison Trail at Downers Grove South, 7:30 p.m.