Heading into the season, South Elgin’s Kevon Brooks split reps at quarterback in practice with Jack Ginnan. Ultimately, it was Ginnan who would win the starting job.

But when Ginnan went down two weeks ago with a broken leg against Glenbard South, that meant the 5-foot-11, 153-pound junior was more than ready to go.

“The transition has been smooth,” Brooks said. “I was on defense, but the transition to quarterback, since we had the same amount of reps, was just smooth.

“I trusted the system and trusted God, and it led me to right here.”

Right here Friday night was leading the Storm to a 49-7 Upstate Eight Conference victory at rival Bartlett. Brooks completed 14 of 19 passes for 177 yards and four touchdowns.

Brook also ran for a TD and Jabari Pruitt caught two TD passes for South Elgin (7-1, 7-1). Ishmael George added six catches for 88 yards and a TD. Ari Kravis ran for 90 yards, including a 60-yard TD on the first play of the game.

The lone TD for Bartlett (4-4, 4-4) was a 38-yard pass from Vince Yario to Nicholas Carlos.

South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic has seen this script before in recent seasons. Several times, the Storm had to turn to a backup due to an injury, which is why he tries to split reps as often as possible.

“It’s part of the deal,” Teonic said. “KJ has really stepped up and improved as the years have gone on. I’m really proud of him. He’s just a really nice football player.

“I think where he’s really improved is as a passer. He’s playing lights out right now — playing really well. He’s composed. He’s running the offense. He’s making good decisions.”

All Brooks had to do to get the Storm on the board to start the game was hand the ball off to Kravis, who raced 60 yards for the TD that set the tone for the easy win.

“I’m just proud of Ari,” Teonic said. “It wasn’t the goal to score on the first play, of course, but we want to score on the first drive. That’s why we took the ball.

“I’m just proud because it was Ari. He’s battled. He’s put in so many hours of work. He’s done so much right. That was awesome.”

South Elgin jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter. Then in the second quarter, George got into the act. The team’s leading receiver this season, he caught a 12-yard TD pass to make it 35-7.

George’s connection with Ginnan was a big theme for the Storm early on this season. It hasn’t changed with Brooks under center.

“It wasn’t really a transition,” George said. “He’s been getting reps. I’m glad that he’s stayed calm and isn’t taking it as too much pressure. I’m glad he’s dealing with the pressure really well.

“We’re having a good connection. I’ve known him since I was a little kid.”

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The Storm also have bounced back from the 14-13 loss to Glenbard South, which ended their 29-game conference winning streak.

Glenbard South lost Friday to Glenbard East, meaning a win over Streamwood will still give South Elgin the title.

“It stinks to have lost,” Teonic said. “It might be a good lesson for our guys. The streak was fun.”

Leading that charge now will be Brooks, and he’s up for the challenge.

“The loss was really hard, but we bounced back,” Brooks said. “We still have other goals to handle. It’s life, so it happens. We were taught to persevere and overcome that.

“I’m just blessed to be in this position. We plan on reaching all our goals.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.