Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South each earned first-round byes in the IHSA football playoffs after brackets were released Saturday, Oct. 17.
DGN landed the No. 3 seed in Class 7A. DGS grabbed No. 14 in Class 8A. Westmont, despite a 4-1 record, did not qualify.
The Trojans went 8-1, won the West Suburban Silver title and entered the bracket in position for the No. 1 overall seed. As we reported Friday, Coach Joe Horeni's squad had been eyeing that top spot, but the final seeding placed them at No. 3.
DGN's defense allowed just 61 points all season with four shutouts, according to Shaw Local's playoff pairings breakdown. Declan Davies and Baker Glomb anchor that unit. Grant Georgas leads the rushing attack, with senior Kevin Jay and junior Joey Goodwin splitting time at quarterback.
The Trojans' lone loss came in overtime at York during Week 7. DGN has reached the Class 7A quarterfinals in each of the last three seasons, finishing as runner-up in 2023 and reaching the semifinals in 2025. In the second round, DGN will host the winner of No. 35 West Chicago at No. 30 Prosser.
The Mustangs ride into the Class 8A bracket as West Suburban Gold champions at 7-2. Downers Grove South earned its seventh consecutive playoff appearance, though the program has won just one playoff game during that stretch, in 2024.
Forest Bates and Nate Thurston lead the DGS offense. Bates ran for four touchdowns in the Mustangs' 47-7 win over Morton on Friday, Oct. 16, according to Shaw Local's game recap.
Luke Potter added a 54-yard punt return for a touchdown and a pick-six in that game. Bates also posted a 314-yard, five-touchdown performance against Addison Trail earlier this season.
DGS will host the winner of No. 19 York versus No. 46 Bloom Township. York won its final three regular-season games against DGN, Glenbard West and Lyons, so the Mustangs could face the Dukes in the second round.
Westmont's season ended without a playoff berth despite the Sentinels' four wins. An IHSA rule requires teams to play a minimum of six games to qualify. Westmont did not schedule a Week 9 game because of injuries and a low player count, according to Shaw Local's Week 8 analysis.
It would have been the program's first playoff appearance since 2006.
The IHSA expanded its football playoffs to 384 teams this year, with 48 per class. The top 16 seeds in each class receive a first-round bye. Exact dates and times for opening-round games will be released by the IHSA on Monday, Oct. 19.
DGN closed the regular season with a 58-0 shutout of Proviso East on Friday, Oct. 16. DGS handled Morton 47-7 the same night to cap a four-game winning streak heading into the postseason.
