WELLSBURG — The Brooke Bruins (2-6) are coming off their biggest win and best defensive performance of the season.

Last Thursday in Wellsburg, Brooke dispatched of rival John Marshall, 33-6, holding a team under 10 points to the first time all season.

The team also utilized a potent offensive weapon in kicker Chase Hile.

Hile successfully booted four field goals — two from 40 plus yards.

The Bruins also benefited from the return of Dante Tulenko. The team’s leading rusher returned from injury to total 105 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown, averaging nearly five yards per tote.

Brooke primarily kept to the ground, finishing with 60 yards on 5-of-12 passing from Ty Sperringer, including a 14-yard scoring strike to Darion Hilton.

Triston Stevens returned a pick six from 70 yards out as even the Brooke defense aided in the scoring output.

With two games to play, the Bruins are looking to put a solid span on a tough season that’s featured injuries and an incredibly difficult schedule.

In two weeks, Brooke faces off against rival Weir in what is a winnable game for both teams and should be a close-knit battle in the intercounty rivalry.

But first, another difficult opponent on the right finds its way on the docket as the Bruins make the trek to Sharon, Pa. to take on the Sharon Tigers.

Sharon is 8-1 and looking to put another W in its belt before the WPIAL playoffs begin.

The Tigers are coming off a 63-22 whitewashing of Titusville and their lone loss came during Week 2, 33-7 to Cathedral Prep.

Sharon employs a balanced offensive attack, led by the passing of Ethan Englemore and the running of Isaac Friday.

Englemore has thrown for 1,101 yards and 13 touchdowns against just four interceptions, averaging 122 yards per game.

Friday averages 6.6 yards and 132 yards rushing per contest, owning 13 touchdowns to his credit in leading a rushing attack which averages just over 200 per contest.

Englemore benefits from a host of capable targets and the quarterback is willing to spread the wealth amongst them. His top four leading receivers all average between 13-17 yards per reception and between 25-30 yards per game.Through nine games, the team has turned the ball over only six times-four by interception, two by fumble-as the Tigers take care no to beat themselves.

Brooke, meanwhile, will look to continue to benefit from the return of Tulenko and rely on its run game, aided by both Stevens and Sperringer.

The Bruins’ as an offensive unit average less than 200 yards per game. A new coaching staff, plus new faces in the starting lineup and injuries will do that to a team. But when the Bruins do get things click offensively, they’ve proved they can move the ball.

Now, with the continued emergence of Hile in the kicking game, Brooke needs only to move the ball into field goal range and, should a drive stall, call upon Hile for the potential three points.

Tulennko leads the team in rushing with 261 yards, followed by Stevens at 230 and Sperringer at 213.