Held without a goal during a pivotal stretch in the first half of Valley Oak League play, the Lancers’ all-time leading scorer has turned it on in time to catapult his team back into contention for the conference title.

Last week, he recorded back-to-back hat tricks in must-win situations. Perez burned Oakdale for three goals on the road, as East Union held on for the 4-3 victory on Jan. 30. Two nights later, East Union avenged a 1-0 loss to rival Sierra and prevailed in dominant fashion, 4-0.

“We’ve kind of switched the system a little bit so we’re getting the ball a little more up to (Perez), whereas before we were building out of the back,” EU coach Ronnie Green said after the Feb. 1 win. “We still are building out of the back, but I tweaked the system a little bit to help get the ball to his feet. That’s what helped create the opportunities tonight.”

The senior forward delivered the back-breaking goals that ultimately knocked Sierra out of the VOL championship race. The first of his three came in the 30th minute, as he dribbled into the box, used multiple feints and launched a rocket of a shot after a quick turn.

“I kept hesitating just to see if he was reaching,” Perez said. “I did it once, twice — he didn’t reach. Third time I took advantage and just shot.”

He was just getting started.

Perez scored twice more early in the second half in the 47th and 53rd minutes. Luis Mata set him up with a perfect through ball, allowing Perez to use his speed and touch for No. 2. He struck again six minutes later after a Sierra defender deflected Angel Guzman’s cross, send it to the feet of the opportunistic Perez who scored again on a breakaway.

“They had the big lanes and the opportunities, and with good players like (Perez), when you give them time they’re going to burn you,” Sierra coach Joe Pires said.

Perez ended the week with 27 goals on the season, seventh most in the Sac-Joaquin Section. He also had five assists and 59 points.