Jeff Abrew has been involved with Sierra’s football team for 15 years, coaching in various capacities at every level.
He has stepped into a new role, taking over for Jeff Harbison as varsity head coach. Harbison’s second stint with the program was short-lived, as he stepped down in the spring.
“I’ve always been sitting in the wings and figured it was just time,” Abrew said. “I gave a lot of experience and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I guess it was perfect timing.”
Abrew, a history at Sierra since 2005, was offensive coordinator for the 2009 and 2014 Valley Oak League championship teams. Harbison’s first tour with the Timberwolves lasted 12 years and included Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV and state Division IV-A titles in 2015.
After taking a few years off from the program, Abrew returned under head coach Chris Johnson and was JV coach when Sierra claimed the SJS Division IV banner in 2019. Harbison came back for last season and reinjected the spread offense that previously brought the Timberwolves much success, but they struggled through a brutal schedule with a largely inexperienced squad, going 1-9 while squaring off with eight postseason qualifiers and two Section champions.
“We’re just trying to instill that competitive fire back into the kids and build their confidence up,” Abrew said. “We’re just trying to work and get better. We’ll stay positive with all the kids, but they have had great attitudes and are working hard.”
Abrew will keep the spread offense with returning running back Anthony Grady as its focal point. Grady paced Sierra with 1,245 yards from scrimmage (840 rushing) and 15 touchdowns, earning a spot on the All-VOL second team.
Incumbent Tim Sarginson is in competition with incoming junior Zak Willson at quarterback. Willson spearheaded the spread for the 6-4 JV T’wolves.
Overall, the transition has been smooth with the change at the top of the coaching ranks. Also returning are many of the assistants who have been part of the program off and on for the past decade plus as players and coaches.
Mike James is back as defensive coordinator after holding the same position for the 2019 Section championship team. Les Wheeler, Tony Jimenez and Jay Muschott are also on the varsity staff.
Booie Daniels leads the junior varsity team with Pat Palos and Craig Bingham. Willie Juarez is head coach for the freshman squad and is joined by Carlos Perez, Derek Rosendin, Jim Mootz and Jimmy Mootz.
“I’m in it for as long as possible,” Abrew said. “I’m enjoying it. I have great support from the administration, from the staff and tremendous buy-in from our students. We have over 50 players coming out every day, just trying to bring it back to what Sierra was.”
The turnout over summer workouts is a big jump from the 22 players that Sierra took to league champion Central Catholic in its 2022 season finale.
“It’s a process and it’s going to take some time, but these kids are bought in and having good practices,” Abrew said. “We’re taking it day by day.”
