Coming off of a win against Hughson High, the Orestimba High flag football team continues to find its rhythm to begin Trans-Valley League play following a 26-21 road win against Ripon High on Thursday.
With its fifth-straight win, the Warriors have improved to 14-1 overall and 2-0 against league opponents. Ripon fell to 11-6 overall and 1-1 early in its TVL slate.
Orestimba have won its two matchups against Ripon this season and remain undefeated at 6-0 all-time.
Warriors quarterback Salece Machado had no problem throwing the ball as she finished with a total of 301 yards and four touchdowns. Beltran recorded 128 yards and two TDs. This was her fifth game this season where she’s finished with at least 100 yards.
As Machado finished the game with three incompletions, head coach John Labno said she was “red hot” when it came to making the right plays to move Orestimba down the field.
Ripon quarterback Ana Shriver had her best performance of the season, throwing for 322 yards and two TDs. Receiver Ava Aguirre caught 11 passes for 118 yards.
In the game’s opening drive, Shriver threw a pass to Guiliana Locarnini to put Ripon on the board. She later found Locarnini again for the extra point to lead 7-0.
With how Orestimba’s offense performed this season, it’s no secret how fast they can put points on the scoreboard. And that was what the Warriors did in the ensuing drive.
Machado threw a 65-yard to Beltran, who ran a straight route to the end zone for her first TD. Following a pass to Aryanna Arreguin, the game was tied 7-7 going into the second quarter.
After stopping Ripon from scoring, the Warriors, in a five-play drive, later took a 13-7 lead after Machado ran to the end zone early in the second. Ripon responded by driving the field where Shriver ran in Orestimba’s end zone for TD and converted the extra point to lead 14-13.
Towards the end of the opening half, Machado led the Warriors down the field for a 20-14 lead after a 20-yard TD pass to Beltran.
Starting the third quarter with possession, Machado’s pass was intercepted by Ripon’s Aubree Fleming, who ran to Orestimba’s 25-yard line. After getting stopped by the defense through three down attempts, Ripon was on fourth-and-three.
Shriver scrambled to the left side of the field, where she threw for TD pass to Fleming to tie the game. She converted the extra point to lead 21-20 midway through the third.
The Warriors, in response, made it Ripon’s territory thanks to receiver Natalie Corella and Beltran getting first downs. At Ripon’s goal line, Machado found Corella unguarded for the TD to lead 26-21 going into the final period.
Late in the quarter, Ripon made it to Orestimba’s territory with an opportunity to take back the lead. After failing to convert their previous three attempts, it was fourth down. As Ripon was within inches of converting the down, the Warriors’ defense made their biggest play of the season with a timely stop to force a turnover on downs. Orestimba went on to win the game.
As the team continues TVL play, remaining resilient will be important for the Warriors to maintain its momentum as every game is “gonna be a tough one,” Labno said.
“There’s no letting up,” Labno said. “We have to keep going, working hard all the time because in this league, there is no lap.”
Orestimba will host Sonora High (5-4) on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
