NEWMAN – On Tuesday, the Orestimba High football team was scheduled to start spring practices.

The Warriors and all high school football teams in the Sac-Joaquin Section are allowed to conduct eight spring practices without helmets and shoulder pads in May. Schools can decide how they can coordinate those practices during the month.

According to Austin Martins, who enters his second season as the Orestimba head coach, the team plans to practice twice a week through May 27.

Orestimba, which posted a 2-9 record during the 2025 season, will open the 2026 season against Westside rival Gustine in a non-league game toward the end of August.

The Warriors will also play Grace Davis of Modesto, Livingston and former Southern Athletic League foe Waterford in pre-season games before the start of Trans-Valley League action in September.

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.