With the team’s leading rusher serving a one-game suspension, Sierra leaned on its playmaking quarterback to lead a comfortable 49-6 win at Modesto last Friday.

The junior did it with his arm and legs, throwing for four touchdowns and running for two more. Willson completed 14 of 21 passes for 140 yards and an interception, doing all of his damage in three quarters before making way for the reserves.

“Last week, Zak elevated his game as a passer and a runner and was able to lead us to a victory over Modesto,” Sierra coach Jeff Abrew said.

Willson and the Timberwolves (3-2) struck early and often, scoring on their first three drives within the first six minutes. He got them started with a 4-yard touchdown run, then targeted Tali Vaipuna and Trevor Sutton for 10-yard TD passes to make it 21-0.

Sierra continued its surge in the second quarter. Willson found paydirt again on a 9-yard jaunt and connected with Taylor Rowe for a 22-yard score. He capped his night with a 4-yard TD toss to Josh Seals late in the third quarter.

Willson ranks among the top passers in the Sac-Joaquin Section with 1,140 yards, a 58.9 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. He is also Sierra’s second-leading rusher with four TDs.

“Zak has done a really good job for us this year,” Abrew said. “The speed of the game is vastly different than what he faced at the JV level last year. He has handled the pressure of being a varsity QB quite well and with each game he is gaining more confidence.”