New talent fires up Downers Grove South Mustangs

Downers South's football team went into the off-season looking for offensive playmakers.

Mustangs coach Mark Molinari thinks he found them.

Thanks to an influx of new talent - and an offensive line returning two starters, including Michigan-bound fourth-year starter Erik Swenson - Downers South plans to challenge for the West Suburban Gold title and go beyond a one-and-done playoff appearance.

While broad success may seem like the norm for the Mustangs, they've won only one Gold title and two playoff games in the last four years. This team wants to begin the turnaround back to greatness.

"We really struggled being playmakers last year," Molinari said. "Our overall team speed at the skill positions is a lot better. I feel like we have a lot more athletes on offense."

The unknown is the new talent at the skill positions. Riley Heavey takes over at quarterback after playing receiver last season, while Jonathon Caudell-Dotson, a transfer, is new at running back and Charley LaCivita is new at tight end.

Receivers Khamari Greene and Tyree Johnson didn't play football last year but, despite the many new faces, Downers South looks to be much more dangerous on the edge.

Inexperience also fills the defense. Conner Murphy and Robert Justus return to the secondary, but not much varsity experience exists other than linebacker Kevin Kirkolis and lineman Nick Mitchell.

That side of the ball will have its hands full in the first half of the season while facing Homewood-Flossmoor, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South and Addison Trail. If the Mustangs do well during that stretch, watch out.

"We've got our work cut out for us," Molinari said. "But with the talent we've added I think we'll do well."

The breakdown

Coach: Mark Molinari (third year, 10-8).

2014 record: 6-4, 4-2, third in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Erik Swenson (OL, 6-7, 305, sr.); Daniel Campagna (OL, 6-1, 255, sr.); Conner Murphy (DB, 5-11, 170, sr.); Robert Justus (DB, 5-10, 160, sr.); Frankie Gordey (LB, 5-10, 185, sr.); Tyree Johnson (RB-WR, 5-8, 160, sr.); Khamari Greene (WR, 6-1, 175, sr.); Jonathon Caudell-Dotson (RB, 5-10, 175, sr.); Riley Heavey (QB, 5-10, 169, sr.); Charley LaCivita (TE, 6-4, 215, jr.); Kevin Kirkolis (LB, 6-0, 205, sr.); Nick Mitchell (DL, 5-10, 195, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Downers Grove South

Fri, 8/28 Homewood-Floss. at Downers South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Downers South at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Hinsdale South at Downers South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Downers Grove South at Addison Trail,7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Morton at Downers Grove South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Downers Grove South at Leyden, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Downers North at Downers South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Downers Grove South at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Proviso East at Downers Grove South, 7:30 pm