NEWMAN – Monday is just around the corner for the Orestimba and Gustine football teams.

But the Warriors and Reds are focused this week.

The two Westside high school football teams, along with the rest of the programs in the Sac-Joaquin Section, are concluding their preseason workouts this week. The teams can officially begin practices on Monday.

Orestimba

According to Warriors head coach Austin Martins, his players will continue working out in the weight room at 9 a.m. until Thursday. They will also conduct preseason practices at 5 p.m., also until Thursday.

“We have been having great energy,” Martins said. “I’m excited for this group headed into training camp.”

The development of the defense is in its early stages. But Martins is pleased with how the players have improved headed into Monday’s first practice of the season.

“That has been a huge area of improvement going into training camp this year, compared to years in (the) past, and I feel like we have truly accomplished that,” Martins said. “I’m excited to now truly evolve this defense into training camp.”

During the 2025 season, Orestimba, which went 2-9, allowed an average of 37 points per game. The Warriors also played in a bowl game, the first of its kind in the section, hosting Beyer of Modesto. The Patriots returned to the east side of the city with a 20-7 win.

Martins said Monday’s practice is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. The Warriors could start later if the region is hit with triple-digit temperatures, Martins added.

Gustine

Reds head coach Collin Lane said his players would continue morning workouts through Thursday.

Then Gustine, before going on a three-day break, will have its annual 6th Avenue run on Thursday.

“This workout is a great way to end the summer period, as we get ready to run through the community and see all the local businesses in town,” Lane said.

The Reds won’t have to worry about dealing with possible triple-digit heat on Monday. That is because Lane’s players will hold their first practice inside the school’s stadium at midnight.

The Reds also went 2-9 during the 2025 season. Gustine played Pacheco, out of Los Banos, in their bowl game in which the Panthers posted a 39-12 victory.

Gustine will open its season hosting Orestimba in the annual Battle for the Chief on Friday, Aug. 28. The Warriors and Reds play non-league games before starting action in the Trans-Valley and Southern Athletic leagues respectively in mid-September.

Mike Bush is a multimedia journalist who was born and raised in the Stanislaus and Merced County areas. Follow him on X/Twitter @MikeBMultimedia and Instagram @mikebushmedia.