After Orestimba High’s flag team defeated Destiny Christian Academy 43-14 in the quarterfinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs, it had its biggest test yet in the semifinals: Trans-Valley League foe Hilmar High.
Both teams were amongst the best in TVL this season and it showed in the two head-to-head matchups where Orestimba won by a combined eight points. The Warriors won the TVL in its latest matchup against the Yellowjackets, 33-31, on Oct.20.
With the stakes increased through each matchup, the third rendition between the TVL’s best couldn’t have been higher on Wednesday at Orestimba.
On second-and-11 in the second overtime with the score knotted at 19, Orestimba quarterback Hailey Starr’s pass was intercepted by Hilmar defensive back Mikayla Artega. With possession, the Yellowjackets found themselves at the 1-yard line after three drives. With multiple Warriors defenders covering the middle, it wasn’t enough to stop Hilmar quarterback Brisa Gonzales to score the game-winning touchdown to end the Warriors’ season, 25-19.
Hilmar went on to win the section championship against Colfax High Saturday at Cosumnes River College, 13-12.
The program concludes its third season at 24-3 overall. While it was the result Orestimba didn’t intend for, head coach John Labno praised the players for what they’ve done, specifically their defense, calling it this season’s “hallmark.”
“Our offense was good, but our defense was absolutely amazing,” he said. “We were able to stop other teams and get into the position to be able to then let our offense go to work.”
Similar to the previous two matchups, Orestimba’s offense was stagnant in the first half as Hilmar’s defense had double coverage on wide receiver Imelda Beltran and blitzing at Salece Machado and Starr. This helped the Yellowjackets maintain a 7-0 lead going into halftime.
In the second half, the Warriors adjusted the defensive gameplan around Gonzales’ ability to run the ball. The adjustment led to Orestimba forcing a loss of yards for Hilmar and two interceptions in the third quarter. The Warriors would then score 13 unanswered points to lead by six.
With a tumultuous home crowd getting loud, Hilmar quieted down the noise with an eight-play drive to the Orestimba 2-yard line. Gonzales capped off the drive with a rushing touchdown to tie the game at 13 going into the fourth quarter.
After forcing a punt, the Yellowjackets drove the field to the Warriors’ 5-yard line. Hilmar reclaimed its lead after Artega scored a rushing touchdown, 19-13.
In the ensuing possession, Orestimba was on fourth-and-15 at midfield. Machado’s pass attempt was broken up by Hilmar defensive back Mia Westmoreland to force a turnover on downs with less than six minutes left. With no timeouts remaining for the Warriors, the Yellowjackets were ready to end the game. Gonzales later led Hilmar to the Warriors 2-yard line.
However, things took a turn for the worse. As Gonzales tried to leap in the end zone, she made contact with an Orestimba defender. She was issued a penalty, resulting in a 10-yard loss and a loss of downs. Orestimba later forced a turnover on downs with two minutes left.
Machado led a five-play drive to the Hilmar 10-yard line. The Warriors tied the game at 19 after wide receiver Mariah Moreno rushed for a touchdown off a handoff from Machado with 54 seconds left. The Warriors missed the opportunity to win the game after the ball slipped out of Natalie Corella’s hands during the extra point attempt.
Throughout the 15 home games this season, there’s been a large home crowd present. The support is a testament to the sport's impact on students and local residents, Labno said.
“The crowd today was amazing and unbelievable. I put out a ParentSquare (message) and asked parents (and) the community to come out and support,” he said.
As the program shifts its focus to next season, there will be significant changes to the roster in August 2026. 11 senior players including Starr, Moreno and Madelyn Perez will graduate soon. With the loss, experience will be more valuable than ever with potential returners in Beltran, Machado and Corella.
