I don’t usually get too psyched about individual players after only five week of the season, but I am someone who likes to share my observations.
And with the 2026 high school football season in the Coachella Valley hitting the midway point this week, I’m sharing a few observations I’ve made about the quarterback play we’ve seen so far.
Before I do that, allow me to remind you that last year we had arguably the best quarterback play we’ve ever seen in the valley. At Palm Springs, Bishop Miller V threw for the most single-season yardage at the school since 2015 (2,520), with a 24-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
At Palm Desert and Shadow Hills, AJ Rivera and Jesse Rodriguez set school single-season passing yardage records (2,709 and 2,844),
with each player also setting school single-season passing touchdown marks (30 and 27).
That doesn’t even include Mario Gallo at Desert Christian Academy having a 29-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio and La Quinta’s Roman Ansley being named first team all-league at quarterback.
This year, we’re not seeing record-shattering numbers from valley quarterbacks, but there are a few who are having particularly nice seasons that are worth mentioning. Here are five, in no particular order, who have caught our attention with their play so far.
Mario Gallo, Desert Christian Academy
Through five games this season, the sophomore has led the Conquerors to five blowout wins and has thrown for 969 yards and 19 touchdowns, with no interceptions. You read that right. He’s also completing 75% of his pass attempts.
In 16 games under center for Desert Christian Academy, dating back to last season, Gallo has a 48-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Conquerors’ schedule has gotten tougher this year, but the efficient play from Gallo has remained. That’s impressive.
Joshua Perez, Palm Desert
The senior dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 791 yards, with an 8-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season. He's completing 55% of his pass attempts and has also run for 178 yards and three additional touchdowns for the 3-2 Aztecs.
What's been especially noticeable is that Perez is more than capable of making big plays on his own. That's one of the main reasons he's on this list. More than perhaps any quarterback we've seen this season, Perez can turn a broken play into a big gain and that improvisational ability is unique.
Mason Flores, La Quinta
Here’s a quarterback who has rather quietly been having a very strong season. I say quietly because his numbers will not jump off the page. But the junior has looked incredibly poised under pressure and has made very good decisions with the ball, against arguably the toughest schedule any quarterback in the valley has faced this season.
In four games, Flores has thrown four touchdown passes and two interceptions. But he’s also thrown for 609 yards and has rushed for 120 yards. Not bad. Again, playing solid under center against good teams is different than doing it against weaker competition and Flores has shown us enough to believe that he’ll be really good during the Desert Empire League slate.
Jaylen Turner, Desert Hot Springs
Turner, in his third year as a starting quarterback for the Golden Eagles, has taken a huge leap forward this season with his throwing ability. For two years, the senior was essentially a run-first quarterback with a decent arm. Now? Well, turner has one of the better throwing arms in the valley.
Through five games, Turner has thrown six touchdown passes and two interceptions. He’s also run for 247 yards and two additional touchdowns. Like Flores, Turner’s dual-threat ability combined with his solid decision-making ability is a huge reason their teams are among the favorites to win their respective leagues.
Devin Session, Palm Springs
While Session has had a less consistent season, compared to some others on this list, very few quarterbacks have the kind of upside the sophomore has shown in flashes this season. Through his first four games, for example, Session had an 11-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio with 866 yards and a 62% completion rate.
Combine his throwing ability with his ability to scramble (three rushing touchdowns) and Session has the makings of a player who should be one to watch closely as the DEL slate begins. I personally see Session as a player who can take over games that are close in the fourth quarter.
Andrew John covers sports and recreation in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: These are the top 5 quarterbacks at the halfway point this season
