November 22, 2001

CHAMPAIGN - Perhaps only the faithful expect Downers Grove South to win a state championship.

But after the start the Mustangs had this season, the ranks of the faithful have swelled with a scintillating run that culminates Saturday with a battle against No. 1 Naperville Central (13-0) for the Class 8A title.

Downers South lost two of its first three games, and there were questions whether the Mustangs would have enough of a kick for a run to the playoffs.

"After we started out 1-2, we disappeared from the rankings," said defensive tackle Paul Niznik. "That's the first time in my three years on the varsity that we dropped that low."

Faced with firing up or folding, Downers South won the next 10 games, including last week's 35-34 overtime thriller against Maine South in which a two-point conversion pass from Mike Cuzzone to Kent Hughes stunned previously undefeated and third-ranked Maine South.

Now the Mustangs (11-2) must slow down the Redhawks' high-octane offense that is averaging five touchdowns a game in the postseason and begins with second-team, All-State quarterback Phil Horvath, who has passed for 2,104 yards and 24 touchdowns.

When stellar running back Kyle Griffth went down with a season-ending knee injury, Jason Paquette stepped in and has rushed for 1,402 yards and 21 TDs in only seven games.

"Jason has done a nice job in Kyle's place," said Naperville Central coach Joe Bunge. "He's putting up big numbers because the offensive line and the backs are working well together. Our receivers are blocking downfield and the quarterback is really carrying out his fakes."

Tandem big-play specialists Tyke Spencer and Dan Passarelli have combined to catch 84 passes for 1,590 yards and 17 touchdowns.

"We can't allow explosion plays," said Downers South coach John Belskis. "We can't let them catch the ball and run 60 yards. We'll need a strong pass rush and constant pressure on Horvath."

Naperville Central could be going for three in a row. The 1999 Redhawks dominated the postseason en route to the title, but the heavily favored 2000 squad was devastated by injuries and was upset in the quarterfinals by Naperville North.