The Timberwolves lost a top player in Audie Garza earlier in this season, as he left to continue his playing career at Valencia CF’s North American academy in Montreal.

Head coach Joe Pires has said all along that he has the depth to still be competitive, but a few players have had to step up to help give Sierra (6-2, 9-6 overall) an opportunity to reclaim the Valley Oak League championship.

Enter Reyes, a versatile senior who plays several different spots in the midfield. Last week, he played a part in four of the T’wolves’ seven goals in vital victories over Kimball and East Union.

“He has been key for all year, he’s just real quiet,” Pires said. “We have such a deep team, but with him we’re able to play him in so many different spots. He’s a very talented kid. He can fit in at any place in the middle.”

Reyes scored twice in Sierra’s 4-0 revenge win against Kimball last Tuesday, Jan. 24. Kimball previously defeated the Timberwolves 2-0. Reyes scored twice in the rematch.

Thursday at East Union, he ignited a back-and-forth second half with a goal and an assist. Sierra won, 3-2. East Union was in control for much of the first half, but Reyes changed the game with his highlight goal three minutes into the second half. Charging into the penalty box from the right wing, he dribbled past multiple defenders before tying it at 1-1. He later helped Sierra surge ahead in the 63rd minute with a cross to Emmanuel Ruiz, who put away the goal.

Reyes is Sierra’s leading scorer for the season with nine goals and three assists.

“He’s a game changer,” Pires said. “Without Audie, we lost that sparkplug, but Jorge has been that sparkplug. When we need a goal, he’s the guy.”