South Elgin too talented on offense for Bartlett

With the likes of Gavin Mueller, Derrion Thurman and sophomore Julian Huerta, South Elgin possesses plenty of firepower.

The threesome scored 7 of the Storm's 8 touchdowns in a 55-19 win over host Bartlett in Upstate Eight Conference action Friday night.

With the victory, South Elgin moves to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the conference and becomes playoff eligible with five wins.

“The kids have worked hard for nine months and deserve this,” said South Elgin coach Pat Pistorio. “We have to clean up the penalties but I am proud of these kids.”

The Storm overcame 10 penalties for 115 yards.

The Storm, which outscored Bartlett (2-5, 2-3) 28-6 in the second half, got 4 rushing touchdowns from Mueller. The versatile Mueller reached paydirt from 6, 2, 54 and 4 yards.

“The offensive line gives me so many opportunities to do special things,” Mueller said. “It is so much fun to play in this offense. We came out more focused in the second half.”

Thurman, who scored on a 65-yard touchdown run, gained 207 yards on 21 carries.

“The offensive line is great,” Thurman said. “I love those guys. I don't go down on the first hit. I keep my legs going.”

Carter McDonald, who played quarterback the first half for the Storm, completed 6-of-8 passes for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns to Huerta.

“I have right in with the older players,” Huerta said. “The second touchdown was a trick play. I am more involved with the passing.”

Danny Traver played the second half at quarterback for the winners.

“We are splitting the quarterback duties between Danny and Carter,” Pistorio said. “I trust in both quarterbacks.”

Dave Henson had an interception for the Storm. Bartlett quarterback Vince Yario completed 9-of-16 passes for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. Yario tossed a 40-yard TD to Tyler Meziere and a 18-yarder to Jake Marchese.