Rancho Mirage rebounds with 19-7 victory over Yucca Valley in season opener

Rancho Mirage High School’s football team turned the tide on Friday, securing a 19-7 win over Yucca Valley to start the 2026 season. After finishing the previous year with five straight league defeats and a last-place finish in the Desert Empire League, the Rattlers displayed a refreshed offense and defense. Jadarius Hester hauled in two touchdown passes, and quarterback Cael Woody delivered three aerial scores and a decisive run with 19 seconds left.

Yucca Valley’s standout receiver Aiden Pope was kept scoreless, while junior linebacker Silias Bloodworth likely posted at least 15 tackles. The Rattlers’ defense intercepted three passes in the first half, including two near the goal line, underscoring a dramatic improvement from the prior season.