Danny Moscoso Kicks South Elgin to Victory in Football Debut

Senior kicker Danny Moscoso is accustomed to high-pressure moments for South Elgin, though usually in a different sport. As the goalkeeper for the Storm’s soccer team, Moscoso has faced significant challenges over the past two seasons. This summer, he chose to test his skills on the football field.

Moscoso acknowledged the difference in pressure when asked if he had been in similar situations before. “In this sport, no, but in soccer, yes,” he explained, recalling the pressure of crucial moments in soccer games. “Last year, I was under a lot of pressure. I’m used to pressure.”

He encountered a distinct kind of pressure during Friday’s game against West Aurora. With the Upstate Eight West title at stake, Moscoso successfully kicked a 32-yard field goal with only four seconds remaining. This dramatic play secured a 29-27 victory for South Elgin and marked Moscoso’s first-ever field goal in a game.

South Elgin’s offense saw contributions from Oliver Johnston and Carter McDonald, each throwing touchdown passes. Lamari Smith added 158 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. Diesel Fecarotta blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Semaj Collier caught nine passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

West Aurora’s Tyler Fecht completed five passes, which included touchdowns to Richard Bell Jr. and Brendon Salach. He also caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Bell using a trick play. Michael Williams ran for 81 yards and a touchdown.

South Elgin faced a decision as the game drew to an end. They had three options: go for a touchdown, let regular kicker Jeffrey Espana attempt the field goal, or allow Moscoso to take his shot. Coach Pat Pistorio revealed, “In terms of long-distance kicks, Danny did a nice job showing his leg in practice. He’s a competitor in soccer and he demonstrated determination.”

The team had relinquished a two-touchdown lead, but had a chance to tie with 1:18 remaining when McDonald connected with Collier for a 23-yard touchdown. Opting for a two-point conversion for the win, they fell short. The recovery of the onside kick put South Elgin back in the game.

South Elgin then confronted a fourth-and-7 situation from the Blackhawks’ 16-yard line. McDonald quickly transitioned from quarterback to holder. “The snap was a little high, so I just had to get it down for the team,” McDonald said. “I didn’t talk to him — just let him do his thing.”

Moscoso had prepared for such moments since attending football camp in July. “You just have to be ready at all times,” he said. “I hoped I would get the chance. If I did, I had to do the best I could. I was a little nervous, but I just let it come to me.”

His teammates have shown support ever since summer training and celebrated his game-winning kick. “They were grateful I had this opportunity,” Moscoso said. “They support me a lot.”

With only a game against Elgin separating them from the conference title, South Elgin secured a wild win. “That was a great game,” Pistorio said. “I’m excited to see our program grow.”