Downers Grove South opens its IHSA Class 8A playoff run Friday, Oct. 30, hosting York at 6:30 p.m. in a Round of 32 matchup between two teams headed in different directions.
The Mustangs (7-2) earned the No. 14 seed and a bye through the opening round, according to Shaw Local's playoff preview by Joshua Welge. This is DGS's first game of the postseason. York (7-3), seeded 19th, already has a playoff win under its belt.
The biggest question for the Mustangs: how do they replace starting quarterback James Sobkowiak?
The junior, an Arizona State baseball commit, broke his collarbone in the fourth quarter of a Week 7 win over Hinsdale South, according to Shaw Local. Friday's game will be the third without him. Vincent Junkas has taken over at quarterback, and the Mustangs will lean on running back Forest Bates to carry the offensive load.
Gold champions face Silver-level test
DGS won the West Suburban Gold this season. But the Mustangs' two losses came against West Suburban Silver opponents: 45-7 to Downers Grove North and 44-0 to Hinsdale Central. York, also a Silver program, presents a similar challenge.
The Dukes arrive with momentum. Shaw Local reported York beat Bloom Township 47-14 in the opening round, a game the Dukes led 40-0 at halftime. Chris Georgas rushed for two touchdowns, Zack Assaad added one, and Cade Kasmer and Leonardo Martire each scored their first varsity touchdowns.
That blowout was a relief for York. Its previous five games had been decided by a combined 12 points, according to Shaw Local.
Expanded playoff field
This year's IHSA postseason is the largest since 1985. The field grew from 256 to 384 teams, with 48 per classification, Sports Illustrated reported. In Class 8A, all 48 teams are seeded statewide, and the top 16 received opening-round byes.
DGS landed inside that top 16. York did not, but the Dukes used their extra game to build confidence heading into Friday.
What's next
The winner advances to the Round of 16 against the winner of No. 35 Minooka (5-5) at No. 3 Loyola (8-1). Kickoff at Downers Grove South is 6:30 p.m. Friday.
