RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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A new high school football season is upon us, and you didn't think we'd let the first week go by without providing you with one of your favorite features that we do here did you?
Of course I'm talking about Friday Night Hero, where we show you five players who had a whale of a game and then you vote for your favorite.
It's back, and in case you don't remember the drill here's a refresher. You simply read the accomplishments of the five players, then vote for your favorite in the poll attached to the bottom of this article.
Whichever player receives the most votes by 5 p.m. on Monday, will be this week's Friday Night Hero as chosen by you.
So without further ado, here are the first Friday Night Hero candidates of 2026, listed in alphabetical order. Happy voting!
Damian Durinzi, Indio
What he did: Big play, after big play, after big play. Durinzi rattled off four touchdowns in the first half, many of the breakaway variety using his unmatched speed. He scored a TD three of the first five times he touched the ball in the Rajahs win.
Eusebio Gallo, Desert Christian Academy
What he did: Gallo had a miraculous game in a lopsided win over Twentynine Palms. Get this, he had a touchdown catch, a kickoff return for a TD, a punt return for a TD and an interception return for a TD. Wow!
Jadarius Hester, Rancho Mirage
What he did: Hester, a talented sophomore receiver, hauled in two touchdowns as Rancho Mirage went on the road and worked their way past Yucca Valley 19-6.
Joshua Perez, Palm Desert
What he did: The Aztecs QB played a solid game, particularly in a 21-point second half where he accounted for all three scores with two touchdown passes and a touchdown run in a 24-16 come-from-behind-win at Brawley.
Jaylen Turner, Desert Hot Springs
What he did: The Golden Eagles' QB let the game come to him and eventually found his way to two rushing touchdowns to lift Desert Hot Springs to a 17-9 win in a game they trailed 9-0.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Friday Night Hero is back! Vote for your top player of the week now
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