By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Early start gives Orestimba win over Freedom
ohs fb 9-24
Jose Cuevas powers through a tackle attempt during Orestimba’s high-scoring Homecoming win over Freedom on Sept. 19. The senior running back broke loose for 59 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helping the Warriors build a commanding first-half lead and hold off a late rally to secure the 41-37 victory at Warrior Stadium.

NEWMAN – A quick start in the first half paid off for the Orestimba High football team.

That is because non-league foe Freedom rallied in the second half to keep fans at Warrior Stadium in suspense. However, Orestimba improved to 2-2 to conclude preseason with a 41-37 homecoming win on Friday.

The Warriors jumped out to a 14-6 lead after the first quarter. They added two more touchdowns in the second quarter, while Freedom, out of Oakley, had one that led to Orestimba holding onto a 27-12 halftime lead.

“We were leading the whole game,” said Orestimba head coach Austin Martins. “Just have to finish.”

Freedom outscored the Warriors 25-14 in the final 24 minutes of the game.

Warrior quarterback Giovanni Gudino led the air attack, as he completed 7 of 11 passes for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. Richie Rivas and Jaden Sotelo each had a TD reception.

Orestimba running back Jose Cuevas scored two touchdowns in the game and finished with nine carries for 59 yards. Michael Maier, a junior running back, was the leading rusher with nine carries for 94 yards and a touchdown and Traveyon Wright also found the end zone in the game en route to having 46 yards on six carries.

Freedom (1-3) used an onside kick in the fourth quarter that it recovered, giving it another chance to score.

“We just had to get a final stop,” Martins said.

The visiting Eagles were looking to soar again with another onside kick but were not successful. Orestimba gained the ball back on offense and took a knee to finish out the high-scoring contest.

“(Orestimba) have to be able to get off the field as a defense and let our offense close out the game,” Martins said. “But at the end of the day, we got the win and got the job done.”

Upcoming game

Orestimba turns its attention to Trans-Valley League action this Friday when it welcomes Sonora (1-0 in the TVL, 5-0). The Wildcats defeated Escalon by a 42-14 score in their league opener on Friday.

The Warriors, counting Friday’s game against Freedom, are in the beginning of playing three of four home games in upcoming weeks. After hosting Sonora, Orestimba will play at Ripon (0-1 in the TVL, 3-1) on Friday, Oct. 3 and return to Warrior Stadium to host Hilmar (1-0 in the TVL, 4-1).

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.