A 56-6 loss to Downey served as a wake-up call for the dual-threat quarterback and the rest of the Lancers.

Lee set the tone in the aftermath of that embarrassing setback, meeting with coach Mike Kuhnlenz the next day to review film and discuss specific areas in which he and the offense can move more effectively.

“It’s a lot playing quarterback, especially in our system,” Kuhnlenz said. “I expect a lot of the quarterback.”

East Union was able to unlock some of its explosive potential last Friday at previously-unbeaten McNair. Lee was in on four out of the team’s six touchdowns scored, adding a pair of two-point conversion runs. He hit five different receivers, completing 16 of 24 passes for 308 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed six times for 72 yards and a TD.

“He wants to get better,” Kuhnlenz said. “I think he definitely took a jump on Friday, and so far through two days of practice this week our offense has looked a lot better. It all starts with the quarterback.

“Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come, because we’re tough to defend if Dylan Lee can run the ball and the throw ball.”

Lee has been playing through a sore ankle after spraining it over the summer. He’s a three-star rated linebacker by 247sports. Last year, he was one of the top-producing wide receivers in the Sac-Joaquin Section while taking passes from then-senior Luke Weaver. Lee played quarterback at the lower levels and was in competition with Weaver for the starting spot.

“Big shoes to fill,” Kuhnlenz said. “There has obviously been some growing pains getting back into the groove of things. After the Downey game, he has taken lots of extra time on his own to see where he can improve. He’s a competitor, and he’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win — that’s his priority.”

East Union (2-1) travels to Atwater (1-2) this Friday. Kickoff has been moved to 8 p.m., because of excessive heat.