STOCKON — Coming off a one-win season in 2022, Sierra was anxious Friday night to change course in a round-robin scrimmage with Franklin of Stockton, Hughson and scrimmage host Stagg.

The Timberwolves held their own and then some in preparation of their Week Zero opener next Friday at Lathrop.

“I feel pretty good,” Timberwolves coach Jeff Abrew said. “The kids played physical, they knew their assignments and they played with a lot of energy.

“We were just excited to play someone in a different jersey. The kids came out, set the tone early and we just rode the momentum.”

And set the tone early Sierra did. After a special-teams session, the Timberwolves had an offensive and defensive period against Franklin and just manhandled the Yellowjackets, scoring five times and not allowing Franklin inside the 27-yard line.

Leading the offense for Sierra was running back Anthony Grady who just shredded the Franklin defense.

“I feel good about tonight,” Grady said. “We did a lot of things tonight that we didn’t do last year.

“We have a lot more energy and a lot more confidence than we did last year. We want to hit people and win some games this year.”

The Timberwolves had two full sessions against CIF State Division 5-AA champion Hughson, getting outscored 2-1 in the first and blanking the Huskies in the second while scoring once.

Helping spearhead the Sierra defensive effort was linebacker/safety Aydan Harris.

“This was definitely a big improvement from last year,” Harris said. “Both defensively and offensively.

“We were moving the ball and competing much better defensively than last year. Everyone is putting in the work.

“I am very proud of this year so far and excited to see what the season brings.”