The Winchester Thurston Bears have been off to a great start, winning six games straight. However, with Sajaan Borrero suffering a devastating injury early in the year, new scorers have had to step up. The Bears have a vast amount of capable scorers, even stretching to their backline where Zac Balk and Elijah Bullock have stepped up in the brightest moments. With all the Bears stars, three have come out of the rat race ahead: senior Ian Becker, senior Nick Croft, and junior Ed Staresinic. After last night’s game vs Jeneatte, where Nick Croft scored a hat-trick, all three stars are tied at 8 goals apiece. Before last night’s 10-1 win, Ian Becker was in the lead with 7 goals, Staresinic with 6, and Croft with 5. Becker was visibly frustrated after Croft had his way with the Jayhawks. Croft has scored 8 goals in the last 4 games and is looking like one of the best players in the WPIAL. 

With the return of Borrero imminent, the three race to stamp their mark on the season and prove to three-time WPIAL champion, coach Brownold, that they’re a reliable scorer. The next game for the Bears is scheduled for Saturday, 9/27, vs the Burrell Buckeyes at Duquesne University. Becker has been a consistent scorer the whole season, but with the recent surges of both Croft and Staresnic, the finish line could really belong to any of them. With the three in such a tight race, tension has grown in the school. People asking left and right, who’s gonna score? The rivalry has brought much attention to the game, where there is now an expected crowd of a couple of hundred. The Bears student section will be in full force wearing black out. With Crofts finishing, Becker’s composure, and Staresnic’s speed, the game is poised to be a shootout between the three. The answer to everyone’s questions will be answered on Saturday night, and you don’t want to miss it.