LE GRAND – A combination of posting big numbers on the ground and air was solid for the Orestimba High football team.
But LeGrand High’s squad posted better numbers in Friday’s non-league game on the Bulldogs’ field. That led to LeGrand posting a 33-15 victory over Orestimba (1-2).
The Warriors had 276 total offensive yards; 188 on the ground and 88 in the air. Running back Michael Maier was the leading ball carrier with 8 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown. Jose Cuevas followed with 10 touches for 67 yards and quarterback Giovanni Gudino 9-45.
In the air, Orestimba’s Richie Rivas had 3 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. Gudino completed 5-of-13 passes for 88 yards and two interceptions.
“The offense had energy and was moving the ball,” said Orestimba head coach Austin Martins. “Self-inflecting wounds was the difference in the game. Have to do a better job at stringing together positive plays and finishing drives on both sides of the ball.”
But the Bulldogs came out growling and showing teeth in the first quarter. LeGrand jumped out to a 13-3 lead after the first quarter and held onto a 20-9 advantage at halftime. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown each in the third and fourth quarters.
The Warriors added their final touchdown in the third quarter.
“Combination of things that happened in the third quarter,” Martins said. “We need to get off the field on third down and limit those explosives and broken plays.”
On defense, strong safety Emmanuel Alcantar had 13 tackles in the game. Cuevas, a linebacker, followed with 12 tackles, Maier, another linebacker, had 11 and another linebacker in Traveyon Wright had 10.
Defensive linemen Richie Ebert and Noah Valenzuela had 8 tackles each.
Upcoming game
Orestimba prepares for its final preseason game this Friday, welcoming Freedom (0-2), which is out of Oakley. The contest at Warrior Stadium is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
The Warriors will have their bye next week. Then they will start Trans-Valley League action on Friday, Sept. 19 when defending Sac-Joaquin Section, CIF NorCal and state champion Sonora (3-0) pays a visit to Warrior Stadium.
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.
