STOCKTON — After closing the season a week prior to the Sac-Joaquin Section Football playoffs, Sierra High is looking to improve its chances at a postseason berth this year by attacking the summer circuit running.
The Timberwolves worked out with a handful of football programs at the Stagg High Football full-contact camp in Stockton this week and were joined by Chavez, Weston Ranch, Ripon Christian and host Stagg, for a four-day session that is complete with 11-on-11 full-speed scrimmages.
The Timberwolves had a lackluster start to the camp’s opening, but seemingly got things going in the right direction with an impressive showing in its first Tuesday scrimmage against Chavez.
“We come to camp every year so, one, we are not going against each other,” Sierra head coach Jeff Harbison said. “Also it gets us ready to judge the speed of a game situation. Theses kids aren’t used to it all summer long, so camp is great for us to get acclimated to what it’s going to be like.
“It’s also a great way for us to gauge are players progress and see who’s coming along and who is stepping up.”
Sierra undoubtedly will be poised to make a return to the postseason and standout playmaker Anthony Cota is primed for a breakout senior season. A healthy Cota for the duration and productivity out of first-year quarterback Jake Pruitt could mean a great deal to get excited about in Timberwolf country.
“We were able to stop the run today; did a really good job against the run today, but we have to do better against the pass,” Harbison said of the team’s camp showings. “Offensively, we were able to score both through the air and on the ground.”
Sierra made a minor adjustment to its non-league schedule, adding longtime successful Division-I Tracy to open the season, followed by home dates against Davis and Laguna Creek.
“We’re going to see multiple offenses through our preseason schedule,” Harbison said. “Anything from the triple-option with Tracy to a five-wide set with Laguna Creek.
“Not too sure what to expect from Davis, they’ve got a new offensive coordinator in Tim Garcia from Central Valley.”
