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Orestimba flag football splits matchups against Merced and Torres High
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Orestimba High quarterback Salece Machado, right, throws a pass in the Warriors’ 36-7 loss against Merced High at the school’s junior varsity baseball field on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. - photo by Navtej Hundal

After starting the season undefeated, the Orestimba High flag football split its matchups against Merced and Torres High last week.

The Warriors are now 10-1 through the first 11 games with the start of its Trans-Valley League approaching next week.

After the team received their first loss of the season to Merced, Orestimba bounced back 24 hours later with a 27-13 win on the road against Torres. The program is 2-0 all-time against the Toros, dating back to last season.

As the host last Wednesday, the Warriors fell 36-7 to the Bears for its first loss of the season. Similar to last year’s matchup, Merced were in control from the opening quarter. From moving the ball down the field to limiting the Orestimba’s offense, last season’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division II postseason champions showed why they’re poised to repeat.

After both teams failed to score on their opening drive, Merced’s Antonia Lejarde led her team to the Warriors’ goal line. She threw for a touchdown pass to Averie Steverson to put the Bears on the board. Following the 2-point conversion, Merced led 8-0.

After forcing an Orestimba punt, the Bears once again scored in a three-play drive that ended with another TD pass from Lejarde. At the end of the first quarter, Merced led 16-0 following the 2-point conversion.

In the third quarter, Steverson intercepted a pass from Orestimba’s Salece Machado for a pick six. The Bears led 24-0 after the 2-point conversion. While the Warriors scored later in the half, it wasn’t enough to overcome their deficit.

The Warriors will host Buhach Colony High (9-1) on Tuesday at 7 p.m.