The 2026 high school football season kicked off with ten of the fourteen desert teams in action. Desert Mirage secured a win against Duarte, finishing 16-8, thanks to solid defensive play and timely touchdowns. Hemet dominated Palm Springs, leading to a disappointing 6-37 defeat for the Indians, who now begin their season 0-1. Tonight's games are part of a busy schedule, with more matchups planned for the coming weeks as teams continue to find their footing after graduation departures. Fans can keep up with live scoring updates throughout the evening.

By the Numbers
  • Desert Mirage scored 16 points, with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion.
  • Hemet led Palm Springs by a score of 30-6 at halftime.
State of Play
  • Desert Mirage improves to 1-0 for the season.
  • Palm Springs starts the season with a 0-1 record after a heavy loss to Hemet.
What's Next

Upcoming games in Week 2 will see La Quinta and Coachella Valley make their debuts, while established teams look to rebound and secure important victories. More Thursday games are scheduled, expanding opportunities for teams to solidify their standings early in the season.

Bottom Line

This opening night set a competitive tone for the season with teams already gearing up for crucial matchups. Continued focus on defense and strategic plays will be essential as schools aim to capitalize on their early momentum.