NEWMAN – After opening the regular season with three non-league games, the Orestimba High football team plays one more this Friday.

The Warriors, coming off a bye week, will host Freedom High’s squad at Warrior Stadium. The final non-league and homecoming contest is scheduled to start at Warrior Stadium at 7 p.m.

“It’s time to get back on track,” said Orestimba head coach Austin Martins.

The Warriors have lost their last two non-leagues to LeGrand and Grace Davis of Modesto, both on the road, after beating Westside rival Gustine in the season opener on Aug. 23.

Orestimba (1-2) spent its bye last week going back to basics in terms of execution on both sides of the football.

“We got back to the little things,” Martins said. “We want to do the little things right, offensively and defensively. We took advantage of that with our bye week. We had a solid three days and gave them a three-day weekend.”

The Warriors practiced only Tuesday through Thursday during the bye week.

“The bye week is over, and we have (Friday’s game and Trans-Valley League play) the rest of the way,” Martins said. “Now it’s all gas, no brakes.”

Freedom, which is out of Oakley, comes into the game with a 1-2 mark. It is a member of the Bay Valley League, which is part of the North Coast Section. The Falcons beat Ygnacio Valley by a 44-0 score on Friday.

“They’re fast, they are athletic,” said Martins of Freedom. “They are a team that is well-coached. They are going to bring it.”

The Warriors have back-to-back home games. After playing Freedom, Orestimba will start TVL action on Friday, Sept. 26 when defending Sac-Joaquin Section, CIF NorCal and state champion Sonora (3-0) pays a visit to Warrior Stadium.

“Being back at home definitely makes you feel a little bit better about things as well,” Martins said.

The Warriors’ attention first is preparing for Freedom and playing of what is to be expected in front of a large homecoming crowd.

“We have to take care of this week,” Martins said. “Not to get distracted by all of the festivities. Take care of business (this) Friday night.”

Orestimba is the lone TVL school that has a non-league game this week. Ripon will face Hughson, Ripon Christian travels to Hilmar and Sonora plays at Escalon.

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.