Why Orestimba football will take on a different look this season
Orestimba enters the 2019 season with a daunting task.
The Warriors have to replace quarterback Jacob Bettencourt and wide receiver Tyler Vargas. Bettencourt is the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns while Vargas led the Sac-Joaquin Section in receptions and receiving yards.
“It’s a big transition year for us offensively,” Orestimba coach Aaron Souza said. “It’s going to be growing pains and a process.”
Souza, who is entering his 10th year as coach, said the quarterback competition between junior Anthony Casillas and senior Ethan Medeiros will probably not be decided until a few days before the team’s opener against Bret Harte on Aug. 23.
Casillas started all 20 games in two years on JV.
A possible option to replace Vargas? Jayden Vargas, Tyler’s younger brother.
Vargas will be a sophomore and didn’t play on varsity last year but led the JV team with 27 receptions for 615 yards and eight touchdowns.
While the offense will have to replace nine starters, the defense returns the same number and Souza said it will be the strength of the team.
“Last year was a year where the offense would carry us,” Souza said. “We lost some shootouts and this year, I believe the defense will carry us.”
In particular, the Warriors’ defensive line and linebacking positions will be the strongest with seniors Xavier Avila, Abram Davis, and John Landeros all back.
They combined for over 30 tackles for a loss.
Day 1: Big Valley Christian
Day 2: Sonora
Day 3: Denair
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School: Orestimba
Record: 7-4, 5-2 in Southern League
Players to Watch: Senior linebacker John Landeros (77 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss), Senior defensive lineman Abram Davis (80 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks) , Senior linebacker Xavier Avila (70 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss), Sophomore wide receiver Jayden Vargas
Biggest Game: August 23 vs. Bret Harte
Something special about school: Every time the team comes out of the locker room or scores a touchdown, the school fires off their cannon. It’s over 50 years old and it uses real gun powder. Ultimate Warrior sandwich is popular. It’s tri-tip and linguica combined in one sandwich.
Playoff appearances last five years: 2018: Lost to Los Banos in CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Div. V First Round 2017: Lost to Colfax in Div. V First Round 2016: Lost to Amador in Div. VI Semifinals 2015: Lost to Sonora in Div. V Semifinals 2014: Lost to Bear River in Div. V First Round
Season Schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| Aug. | ||
| 23 | Bret Harte | 7 p.m. |
| 30 | at Hughson | 7 p.m. |
| Sept. | ||
| 6 | at Golden Sierra | 7 p.m. |
| 13 | Bye Week | |
| 20 | at Mariposa County | 7:15 p.m. |
| 27 | Le Grand | 7:15 p.m. |
| Oct. | ||
| 4 | Ripon Christian | 7:15 p.m. |
| 11 | at Denair | 7:15 p.m. |
| 18 | Waterford | 7:15 p.m. |
| 25 | at Delhi | 7:15 p.m. |
| Nov. | ||
| 1 | at Gustine | 7:15 p.m. |
