Whitmer's heroics leads Downers South

Bolingbrook's Chris Williams and Downers South's JoJo Ciancio go for a pass.
(John Patsch/Herald-News)

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In a superpower struggle between Jamel Martin’s feet and Chandler Whitmer’s arm, the Downers South star senior quarterback threw a wrinkle.

Whitmer directed two fourth quarter scoring drives that helped the visiting Mustangs overcome a 12-point deficit in the final 10:36 to stun Bolingbrook 22-19 in a second-round Class 8A state playoff game Saturday night.

Whitmer’s two-yard touchdown plunge with 1:37 remaining capped the improbable comeback. “We’ve been a second half team in the playoffs, and I think we just wanted it more,” he said. The game-winning drive started at the Bolingbrook 30 with 4:50 remaining after the officials ruled the knee of the Raiders’ punter touched the ground.

Downers South (9-2) won its ninth straight game and avenged a 16-14 loss to the Raiders in the first game of the year. They advance to play Glenbard North in the quarterfinals.

The Illini-bound Whitmer also made the critical play on the winning-drive, a 10-yard run around the left side. The drive was also aided by two Bolingbrook encroachment penalties inside the 10-yard line.

Bolingbrook (9-2) watched two different 12-point leads evaporate. The Raiders dominated the first three quarters behind the brilliant running of Martin (20 carries, 173 yards). His 54-yard first quarter run set up quarterback Brad Geever’s two-yard touchdown run for a 6-0 Bolingbrook advantage. Geever extended the lead to 12-0 with a 30-yard scramble for a second rushing touchdown with 17.9 seconds remaining in the first half.

After a tough first half (5-13, 25 yards), Whitmer found his groove. He orchestrated a 12-play, 76-yard drive on the Mustangs’ opening possession of the second half. He completed 3-4 for 30 yards on the drive, the final play a beautiful 7-yard out to Josh Williams for their first touchdown.

Martin’s 43-yard burst set up the Raiders’ final score, a 23-yard swing pass from Geever to Dan Fisher for a 19-7 margin.

Whitmer (11-22, 122 yards) responded with a 43-yard bullet to receiver Ryan Oruche that set up Williams’ second score, a four-yard dive that pulled the Mustangs within 19-14. The Mustang defense forced the Raiders to punt, leading to the decisive play.

Bolingbrook reached midfield with just over a minute to play though senior linebacker Jim Campion sealed the victory with a diving interception. “I saw the receiver cut across the field and I just made a read on the play, moved my hips and made a play on the ball,” Campion said.