A conference championship effort for South Elgin

South Elgin's 65-20 victory over visiting East Aurora on Saturday was a matter of tying a loose end.

The Storm had already clinched a share of the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division title. The Senior Day win on a sunny October afternoon against the last-place Tomcats sealed the outright crown for the second time in three seasons.

"Just really proud of our seniors," South Elgin coach Pat Pistorio said. "They were around for that last one so it's a memorable moment for them. Really, extremely proud of them and all the hard work they've put into this. Great way to go out."

Senior quarterback Nate Gomez rushed 9 times for 94 yards and 3 touchdowns and threw for another, senior running back Pierre Toussaint carried 9 times for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns and senior backup quarterback Nate Smith ran for one touchdown and threw for another when he wasn't playing defense.

South Elgin (8-1, 5-0) gained 354 total yards to 211 for East Aurora (1-8, 0-5). The Storm scored touchdowns on all 7 first-half possessions. They also scored on Kyle Viverito's 18-yard interception return and a safety resulting from a high punt snap. They took a 58-6 halftime lead en route to the outright UEC Valley title.

"That was one of our five goals up in our locker room," said Smith, who played both ways after missing two games due to injury. "We're glad we were able to succeed."

Next up for the Storm? The school's fourth playoff appearance and second in three seasons.

"We're all looking forward to next week," Toussaint said. "We can't wait to see who we play. We just have to come out with the same fire we did this first half."