WEEK 9 - 2024
Week 9 is upon us! What a journey it has been on so many levels! We are not finished with a full schedule this weekend vs Addison Trail. Our coaching staff and players have done a great job of preparing this week.
I'm looking forward to watching our teams compete against. The Trail Blazers this weekend!!
The IHSA Pairings show begins at 8 PM on Saturday on NFHS Network, IHSA.org, or Channel 26 WCIU. More details can be found at the IHSA Pairings Link. Details about the playoffs will be announced on Saturday Night with the varsity opponent. Both schools will agree on the Location and time, and it will be announced on Tuesday at the latest.
HIT HARD
Coach Molinari
AWARDS NIGHT - SAVE THE DATE - NOVEMBER 11, 2024 - 6:30 PM
SATURDAY PRACTICE 10/26/24
Varsity Practice Saturday - 9 AM Trainer Check-In - 9:30 AM Team Meeting
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
WEEK 9 - vs Addison Trail
GAME SCHEDULES
Sophomore B - 5 pm (Mon 10/21 @ Wheaton Warrenville South)
Freshman A - 5 pm (Thurs 10/24 @ Addison Trail)
Freshman B - 5:30 pm (Thurs 10/24 @ Morton)
Varsity - 6:00 pm (Friday 10/25 @ Addison Trail)
Sophomore - 9 am (Sat 10/26 @ Addison Trail)
WEEK 8 - VS PROVISO EAST - RESULTS
Varsity DGS W 55-26
Sophomore - W 58-6
Freshmen A (vs. GBW) L 15-26
Freshmen B (vs. GBW) L 8-21
GAME DAY PHOTOS -
VARSITY RECAP
Fueled by determination, the Mustangs emerged victorious over the Proviso East Pirates in their final regular season home game. Both the offense and defense commanded the field, showing their obstinate, win-driven mindset. They played with a fiery spirit, wanting to leave everything on the turf in what could’ve been our last home field performance.
We scored an impressive amount of touchdowns, demonstrating the effectiveness and strength of our offense. Keon Maggitt, with his lightning speed, scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, one off of a run seconds after the game started, the other following a skillful throw from quarterback Dominic West. Isaiah Perez, with his agility and precision, also had two successive touchdowns to give the Mustangs momentum in the first half.
Carter Moravek made an excellent catch one yard from the endzone, then immediately caught another pass to seal the touchdown. Aiden Kanazawa and Antoine Hardin also scored touchdowns in the second half. Cooper Schoenike had an exciting interception towards the end of the game, reawakening the stadium energy.
The defense also had an assertive night: in the first quarter alone, Gavin Powels, Jace Modine, and Ryker Dudley sacked Proviso’s quarterback and Coen Goenschwager caught an electrifying interception. Eliot Alwin blocked the kick on a point-after attempt to close out his solid defensive showing.
The Mustangs continue to be undefeated in their conference, extending their record to 6-2. This victory has secured their position in the conference and they will take the confidence from this latest win into their final regular season game against Addison Trail next week, which shapes up to be a conference championship game.
Written by - Julia Conyer
SOPHOMORE RECAP
The Sophomore Mustangs hosted the Proviso East Pirates for our last home game. The sophomores were intent on building on the progress made on all sides of the ball from last week and didn't disappoint.
The Mustangs scored first, and the stingy defense was back at it, only allowing one score but putting up three defensive scores (2 TDs and a safety). Seth Siuda and Jhavontae Jones each had an INT for the Mustangs.
Scoring for the Mustangs were Forest Bates (2 Rushing and 1 receiving), Malachi Wilder with a TD reception and 2 Pt conv reception, Will Brady with an 18-yard reception, and Zach Barnes with the final Rushing TD. Vincent Junkas finished with 3 Passing TDs and a 2 Pt Pass Conversion. Seth Siuda added a passing (to Frank Smalec) and rushing 2 PT Conversion.
The final score was Mustangs 58, Pirates 6. The Mustangs look to finish the season off strong with a win this Saturday morning at Addison Trail. A win will clinch a share of the West Suburban Gold Conference Sophomore Championship.
Players of the Week-
Offense: Malachi Wilder - Has been a reliable receiver and blocker from the tight end and fullback positions this year. Wilder had multiple catches and had his first TD of the year vs the Pirates. He also has been a great teammate and helps out in any role asked of him daily.
Defense: Mason Knorr - Had a huge defensive game for the Mustangs, leading the way for many Tackles for loss and takeaways for the Mustangs. Mason had five sacks and some big "contain" tackles.
Special Teams: Kero Hanna - Has stepped in a big way in the kicking game for the Mustangs as both punter and kicker. Kero is helping on special teams, and he has played multiple positions throughout the season on offense and defense. He has displayed the ultimate team-first attitude by doing anything and everything asked of him every week. He has a "can do" attitude. Kero also chipped in on defense vs. the Pirates by forcing a holding call while pursuing the quarterback in the endzone, which led to a safety.
Scout/Teammate : Hudson Zebraitis - He is constantly on the offensive line and scout teams, finding ways to make his teammates better. Hudson continually desires to improve and will often be the last one off the practice field after inquiring about how to improve daily. Hudson cares about his teammates and represents the Mustang "Family" through and through!
FRESHMEN A RECAP
The Mustangs faced a tough challenge against Glenbard West, losing 26-15. Glenbard West got off to a fast start, leading 20-0 in the first quarter, driven by turnovers and a strong running game. The Mustangs fought back in the second half with Ryker Czubak leading two scoring drives, connecting with Nate Thurston and Jake Mytys for touchdowns. Despite limiting Glenbard West's points in the second half, the Mustangs only had two possessions due to Glenbard West controlling the clock. Czubak was named both Offensive and Defensive Player of the Game, while Nate Thurston earned Special Teams Player of the Game for his solid performance as long snapper. Now, the Mustangs aim to take lessons from this experience into their upcoming game against Addison Trail, where they can clinch the West Suburban Gold Conference Championship for the first time on the freshman level since 2018.
FRESHMEN B RECAP
For the first time of the B-team’s young high school careers, the Mustangs had the opportunity to play Thursday night under the lights! We were faced with a tough opponent of Glenbard West, coming off a short week. The B-teams performance was one of our best of the season, even though the scoreboard did not go in our favor.
Offensively, our player of the game was Joey Belcastro, who broke away for a touchdown run in the 4th Quarter. Joey showed off his ability to quickly change direction, and put on his burners to pull away from the very physical Glenbard West defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, our team has shown week after week how well we can play and a variety of players that can step up. Our defense was anchored by our Captain Emmit Alwin, who earned Defensive Player of the Game. His consistent ability to stop the run, shed blocks, and make tackles has been impressive all season long, and has kept our team in games week after week. Brian Swanson helped our defense with a nice sliding interception in the second half to help get the Hilltoppers’ offense off the field and keep us in the game as well!
Heading into our final week with a rematch against Morton on Thursday night, our guys are excited to show the strides we have made throughout the season and finish on a high note.
HIT HARD!
HIT HARD - THEME OF THE WEEK
HIT HARD THEME OF THE WEEK - BIGGER, FASTER and STRONGER (B.F.S.) ***OFF-SEASON IMPORTANCE***
This week the program meeting focused on BIGGER, FASTER AND STRONGER - OFFSEASON IMPORTANCE. Coach Molinari talked this week about how the best football teams and players do not start training in the summer but in the winter and spring. Athletes are encouraged to participate in wrestling, track, and other sports at DGS. If a player chooses NOT to participate in a DGS sport they need to be lifting and speed training with the football program. Off-season lifting is where teams take their upcoming season to the next level. It's not just with speed and strength but with team bonding and relationship building. Our athletes will work on being great teammates in the weight room and on the track encouraging each other to get better and work harder. The coaches have built a lifting and speed program that has been proven to work, and show significant gains in mass, speed times, and performance on the field. Information and times for offseason will be sent out once the season is over via email and Hudl. Please take a moment this week to talk to your son or daughter about what sports they will be participating in during the winter and spring season and how they need to be lifting and running with the football team when they are not in season with another sport.