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Scouting the Downers Grove South Mustangs

Downers Grove South's football team is putting everything on the line.

With Erik Swenson leading the Mustangs, who could blame them?

Committed to Michigan, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound junior is already a third-year starter entrenched at left tackle as the reigning offensive lineman of the year in the West Suburban Gold. With Neil Hart, Cody Becker, Marcus Rutledge and tight end Joe LaCivita also returning, Downers South will boast perhaps DuPage County's top trench men.

The Mustangs hope championships in summer linemen challenges at Downers South and West Aurora are just the first step in a dominating effort up front on both sides of the ball.

"It's got the potential to be one of the top lines we've had," said Mustangs coach Mark Molinari. "This is the best set of linemen we've had on both sides of the ball in a long time."

Swenson and his linemates will make everything around them better. Jacob Baker, a converted quarterback and linebacker, shifts to running back as the Mustangs look to create a more-potent ground game.

With Jordan Skach returning at quarterback after throwing for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions, the Mustangs know they're in good shape throwing the ball. Especially with LaCivita and receiver Max Soderlund back in the mix.

"It'll start with our ground game, but we also feel pretty good about Jordan throwing the ball," Molinari said.

Mirroring the offense, the Mustangs' defensive line will be a handful with ends Caleb Konney and Jamaal Harvey joining tackle Jeff Agnew as returning starters. Linebackers Ryan Taylor, a third-year starter, Mike Connolly and transfer Edward Barfield add to the defensive mix with returning safety Eric Denby.

Repeating as Gold champions is the obvious goal for a talented, physical group. So is a deep playoff run.

"We're looking to take a few more steps and re-establish that Downers South dominance," Molinari said.

The breakdown

Coach: Mark Molinari (second year, 6-4).

2013 record: 6-4, 6-0, first in West Suburban Gold Conference.

Top players: Erik Swenson (OL, 6-5, 310, jr.); Jacob Baker (RB, 6-2, 200, sr.); Caleb Konney (DL, sr., 6-0, 200); Jamaal Harvey (DL, 6-5, 260, sr.); Jordan Skach (QB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Mike Connolly (LB, 6-1, 215, sr.); Joe LaCivita (TE, 6-4, 210, sr.); Jeff Agnew (DL, 6-0, 255, sr.); Cody Becker (OL, 6-6, 225, sr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/29 Downers Grove South at Benet 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/5 Proviso West at Downers South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/12 Addison Trail at Downers South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/19 Downers South at Morton 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/26 Leyden at Downers South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/3 Downers South at Downers North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/10 Willowbrook at Downers South 7:30 p.m.

Sat, 10/18 Downers South at Proviso East 1:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/124 Downers South at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

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