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DOWNERS GROVE – Charley LaCivita is the youngest of three siblings who have been star athletes at Downers Grove South. He is being recruited as a tight end and long snapper by Northwestern, Western Illinois, Central Michigan and Missouri State. LaCivita spoke with Suburban Life correspondent Matt Le Cren about coming back from a 2015 injury, his goals for the season and the outlook for the season.
Le Cren: You broke your right leg and missed the last four games last season. How difficult was that to go through, especially with the way the team struggled?
LaCivita: It was a really difficult time to not be out there with my teammates practicing with them and just watching them do all the work. I hated sitting on the sidelines. It was really hard, but I got through it, went to rehab and I'm all better.
Le Cren: Now that you’re healthy, what are you hoping to accomplish this season?
LaCivita: I want to be a leader for the team. I want to do whatever I can, help out as much as possible. I think we're going to have a really good season this year. The team has jelled during summer camp.
Le Cren: What has changed since last season, when the team missed the playoffs for just the third time since 1983?
LaCivita: I think just the overall team attitude. We have a better outlook on the season. We like each other better. Last year we didn't mesh very well. This year we all like each other.
Le Cren: Last year was the first year running the spread offense. Will year two be easier?
LaCivita: Yes. You already know the offense. You've got a year under your belt. It's just easier to understand the concept of what the offense is trying to do. We're trying to spread people out, get to the outside more.
Le Cren: Your sister, Katy, played softball at Loyola and your brother, Joe, is a baseball player at College of DuPage. What advice did they give you about the recruiting process?
LaCivita: They just told me to have fun with it. You only go through it once. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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WHAT TO WATCH
DEFENSE NEEDS TO REBOUND: The Mustangs went 3-6 last season, their worst record since 1980. The defense, particularly in the secondary, was the main problem, allowing nearly 29 points per game. "Our front seven was pretty solid but teams just shredded us in the secondary," Downers South coach Mark Molinari said. "We started 12 different kids there but could not fix it." The Mustangs hope to be better as all-conference linebacker Deante Washington returns. Alan James leads the line while safety Hayden Cotter is a hard worker.
SPREADING THE WEALTH: Molinari installed the spread passing offense last season and the Mustangs had some success with it. Junior quarterback Matt Greenwald has been impressive during the summer and has Molinari's confidence. "He is a tough kid who runs really hard and has worked really hard on his passing game," Molinari said. "We think he's going to be a dual threat with his reads. But we've got to keep him upright."
STARTING STRONG: The Mustangs lost their first three games last season and have to play Homewood-Flossmoor and Hinsdale Central again the first two weeks. Greenwald will be tested early but has tight end Charley LaCivita and a group of six good receivers, led by senior Joe Tonoff, to throw to. "We want to prove ourselves this year," Greenwald said. "(The key is) starting off fast. As long as we can get a defensive stop and our offense can drive down the field and score, I think we should be in a good spot to win."
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AT A GLANCE
Coach: Mark Molinari
2015 record: 3-6 (3-3 WSG)
Conference: West Suburban Gold
TOP RETURNERS
Sam Adank sr. RB
Brandon Biederman sr. WR
Hayden Cotter sr. DB
Myron Douglas sr. DB
Nathan Galway sr. LB
Alan Janes sr. DL
Charley LaCivita sr. TE
Nick Paskvan sr. OL
Marc Portell sr. OL
Andrew Rocco sr. OL
Joe Tonoff sr. WR
Sergio Villalobos jr. DL
Deante Washington sr. LB
Demani White sr. WR
PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Kerian Burke jr. LB
Matt Greenwald jr. QB
Anthony Martinez jr. LB
Milan Vujovic jr. DL
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WEEK 1 MATCHUP
Who: DGS at H.-Flossmoor
When: 7:30 p.m Aug. 26
Where: 999 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor
2015 records: DGS 3-6; H-F 10-2
Outlook: The Mustangs get a big challenge in Week 1 against a Vikings team that is a perennial powerhouse. A strong performance can help South get on the right foot as it looks for a return to the playoffs.