The Annual Cross-Town Classic Returns to Mustang Stadium
The annual Cross-Town Classic is back — and this year it kicks off in Week 2. With the West Suburban Conference removing the mandatory Gold vs. Silver rivalry games, Downers Grove South and Downers Grove North have agreed to keep the tradition alive by locking the matchup into Week 2 every season.
This Friday marks the home opener for the Mustangs and the start of a four-game home stretch that will feature some of the season’s biggest moments — Senior Night, Homecoming, and a showdown with Hinsdale Central.
DGS enters the rivalry hungry to notch their first win of the year. Backed by the “HIT HARD” mindset, the Mustangs will lean on their senior Guardians and an energized Mustang Stadium crowd to set the tone.
Expect a playoff-like atmosphere as the lights come on, the stands fill, and community pride takes center stage. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Mustang Stadium.
*HOME GAME*
Varsity - 7:30pm - Fri 9/5
JV - 5:00pm - Mon 9/8
Sophomore - 5pm
Freshman A - 9am Sat 9/6
Freshman B - 11am Sat 9/6
REMINDER: For safety and efficient gate entry, bags and backpacks are not allowed inside Mustang Stadium. No re-entry is permitted once you exit. Please plan accordingly and arrive early.
THANK YOU PARENTS! - VOLUNTEERING
Because of your amazing support, 95% of our volunteer spots are filled for the Crosstown Classic!
DGN is only in need of 3 more volunteers — this is the first time in years we’ve been nearly set before game time. Incredible!
We can’t thank you enough for stepping up and making Friday night special for our players and community.
On Labor Day Monday, the Sophomore Mustangs battled Metea Valley’s JV team, overcoming a tough start to secure a dramatic comeback victory. After falling behind 14-0 in the first half, the Hit Hard crew rallied to stay within striking distance.
Sawyer Woods sparked the momentum by ripping an intercepted ball out of a Metea player’s hands and racing it back into the end zone. Red Chua powered through on a short-yardage run for another score, and Tommy Knagge drilled a 30-yard field goal. On defense, Sam Simonetti delivered a huge sack to close the first half with energy.
Late in the fourth quarter, a DGS drive stalled inside the opponent’s 5-yard line, turning the ball back to Metea with less than two minutes remaining. But the Mustangs maintained RELENTLESS DISCIPLINE. With Metea pinned deep, Giovanni Vazquez broke through to hit the quarterback, forcing a botched snap and fumble. The ball was recovered in the end zone by Simonetti and Khiler Johnson for the game-winning touchdown to win the game 24-20.
The Mustangs’ resilience and never-quit mentality carried them to an unforgettable victory.
Sawyer Woods: For his dynamic two-way play, including a defensive play in the secondary and key offensive contributions.
PJ O'Donoghue: For his lockdown defense at cornerback and consistent performance at wide receiver.
Will Mouser: For his consistent, hard-nosed effort across offense, defense, and special teams.
Freshman A: On Friday night, the Mustangs kicked off their regular season with a gritty 6–6 showdown against Metea Valley. Early penalties and a slow offensive start made the first half tough, but the defense rose to the challenge. Captain Cole Guzlas was everywhere, flying around the field and igniting the sideline with his energy. In the trenches, Luke Bartlett controlled the line of scrimmage, shutting down the run and disrupting the Metea backfield.
In the second half, the offense found its spark through Thomas Knagge, whose speed and shiftiness opened up big gains and helped move the ball. Despite the back-and-forth battle, the game ended in a hard-fought tie, 6–6, showcasing the Mustangs’ toughness and potential for the season ahead.
Discipline is knowing the difference between right and wrong — and choosing what’s right every time.
It means doing what you’re supposed to do, even when no one is watching. Discipline builds trust, keeps the team accountable, and gives us the best chance to succeed on and off the field.