Orestimba High’s inaugural flag football season came to an end last week with a 21-18 lost to Trans-Valley League rival Hughson in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 semifinals.

During league play, the Warriors (21-7) lost to Hughson 27-20 on Oct. 7, then defeated the Huskies 26-25 on Oct. 23.

Their playoff meeting served as the rubber match, and if there’s anything positive to be taken from the loss, it’s this: Orestimba lost to the eventual section champion, as Hughson went on to stun undefeated and top-seeded Colfax 26-13 in the finale.

Overall, it was good season for the TVL, with three teams qualifying for the four semifinal spots — Escalon lost to Colfax 20-6 in the other semi — and five teams among the eight quarterfinalists. Hilmar was that fifth team, losing two Hughson in the quarters. Sonora, another TVL team, lost in the first round to Sacramento Adventist.

“What a shock!” said Orestimba head coach John Labno, tongue in cheek. “The Trans-Valley League is the best league in the area in another sport.”

The Warriors are set up nicely for next year with junior quarterback Hailey Starr set to return and build off her successful 2024 campaign.

Against Hughson, the Warriors had opportunities in the second half, but an interception and a couple of untimely penalties halted their momentum.

"It just didn’t come out the way we wanted to,” said Labno. “That’s the way it goes.”

Hughson quarterback Lea Hobby spent the night before the Orestimba game in the hospital, with dehydration brought on by the flu. She wasn’t up to playing and Hughson was set to go with its backup quarterback, but five minutes before game time she decided to give it a go, and came through with a big performance.

The Warriors finished the season 21-7 overall and were 8-2 in the TVL, co-champions with Hughson and Escalon. 

“The girls did such a good job and I so proud of them,” said Labno, who also serves as the school’s athletic director. “I’m happy that I got a chance to coach them.”