CN100 Game of the Week preview: Football Week 3 - Hinsdale South vs. Downers Grove South

IHSA Football Week 3 – Hinsdale South vs. Downers Grove South
DOWNERS GROVE – One of the suburbs’ biggest rivalries kicks off Week 3 of CN100’s prep football coverage as Hinsdale South travels to Downers Grove South in a West Suburban Gold battle.
CN100, The Comcast Network, will air the game at Noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14. You can also watch it anytime in HD with Xfinity On Demand.
While Downers Grove South is the program with the higher pedigree, winning the Class 8A state championship in 2001, finishing second in the state twice and missing the playoffs only twice since 1983, it’s Hinsdale South that has the recent success.
The Hornets have only reached the playoffs twice since 2005, but they went 9-3 last season on its way to a state quarterfinal berth. Both of those playoff appearances have come under Coach Mike Barry, who is in his fifth season at the school. The former Downers Grove North star has gone 25-17 in his tenure, including a 1-1 mark this season.
“We set the bar last season and that is the expectation,” Barry said. “We hope to continue our playoff success.”
The Hornets started the season with a 43-14 win over Romeoville before falling to state power Glenbard West in a West Suburban crossover 50-31.
Senior quarterback Sean McCormack triggers the Hinsdale South attack. The 6-foot-5 signal-caller is 31-for-46 for 491 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. McCormack’s brother Connor has been one of his top targets thus far, catching six passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. All four of Sean McCormack’s touchdown passes have gone to different receivers.
Senior Marcus Curry is the workhorse in the backfield, rushing for 217 yards and five touchdowns on 43 carries. Senior running back Robert Hall has done much of his damage by catching 10 passes for 211 yards, both team highs, with a touchdown.
Defensively, junior linebacker Deonte Curry has two tackles for loss, while senior Ravon Johnson snagged the team’s lone interception.
Downers Grove South is off to a rough 0-2 start to the season after lopsided losses to two elite teams. The Mustangs fell to the state’s top-ranked team, Homewood-Flossmoor 56-15 in the opener and followed that with a 42-7 loss to Hinsdale Central in a West Suburban crossover last week.
After legendary coach John Belskis (who is the new head coach at Aurora Central Catholic) stepped down following the 2012 season, Mark Molinari led the team to a pair of 6-4 seasons and two playoff appearances.
Senior quarterback Riley Heavey handles a heavy workload with 19 carries for 68 yards and completing 12-of-19 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He’s also the go-to for kicking, kickoff and punting duties. Senior Connor Kreifel has also seen some action under center.
Senior Jonathan Caudell-Dotson leads the team in rushing thus far, covering 159 yards and two touchdowns in 29 carries. He’s added four catches. Senior Tyree Johnson is the team’s dual threat, posting nine carries and five catches thus far. Junior wide receiver Joe Tonoff recorded a 46-yard touchdown catch.
Defensively, middle linebacker Frankie Gordey leads the way with 12 solo tackles, including two tackles for loss.
“DGS is a tough, well-coached team that lost to two really good teams,” Barry said. “We have to play for four full quarters, stay fast and limit mistakes. Starting fast is important.”
- Paul Johnson, CN100 Correspondent

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