The Sierra Timberwolves came out firing on all cylinders Friday against Laguna Creek of Elk Grove.
In a span of the opening four minutes, they sprinted out to three quick touchdowns compliments of senior running back Anthony Cota.
He had scoring runs of 49-, 31-, and 26- yards while leading Sierra to a 48-6 non-league victory at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
“We dominated on both sides of the ball,” said Timberwolves coach Jeff Harbison.
Sierra (3-0) also took advantage of turnovers, forcing a pair of fumbles and three interceptions in the first half. Of that, four led to first-quarter touchdowns.
The Timberwolves scored on their opening drive, with Cota making use of the blocking up front with his 49-yard touchdown run on the third play from scrimmage.
After Jordan Lewis’s interception, Cota found pay dirt on the next play, boosting the lead, 14-0.
The pressure from the defensive front enabled lineman Jesus Perez to come up with a pick. Cota, who was coming off a school-record seven touchdown performance, added his third score of the game. He tallied 208 yards from scrimmage, including 169 yards rushing on 18 carries.
Linebackers Garrett Villanueva and Reid Maestas also came up with interceptions, with the latter scooting 30 yards on the return to help set up Dakota Conners’ 31-yard touchdown grab from quarterback Guillermo Nunez.
Nunez was just warming up.
Aaron Thiel recovered a fumble caused by Angel Villanueva at the Laguna Creek 32. Moments later, Nunez found Jayson Manuta on a 15-yard scoring strike. Kicker Joshua Gonzalez delivered on the extra point kick, giving Sierra a 35-0 advantage.
“We knew (Laguna Creek) had several players who played both ways. We wanted to wear them down,” said Harbison.
Perez, who recovered a second-quarter fumble, had his second takeaway of the game. Thiel chipped in with a sack.
Midway through the second half, Sierra took advantage of good field position caused by a poor punt by the Cardinals. From there, Nunez delivered his third TD, finding Manuta alone in the end zone.
Nunez, who completed 5 of his 6 passes for 84 yards, displayed his speed on his 58-yard TD run.
Laguna Creek (1-1) avoided the shutout by scoring on a short pass play in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Denzel Johnson hauled in the scoring toss from quarterback Cecil Williams.
The game was marred by penalties. Sierra had 100 yards tacked off as a result of getting flagged down 11 times.
Laguna Creeks had six penalties for 60 yards.
Sierra, in addition, claimed the sophomore game, 36-6.
