2026 Portland Press Herald Fall Athlete of the Week: Week 4
Maine’s “Fall Athlete of the Week” Program Continues to Highlight High‑School Stars
Portland, Maine – October 2, 2026 – The Portland Press Herald is again celebrating the region’s brightest high‑school athletes with its “Fall Athlete of the Week” series, now in its fourth week of the 2026 season. The weekly feature, which has become a staple of Maine’s high‑school sports coverage, spotlights the standout performer from the previous week’s games and invites readers to vote for their choice.
How the program works
Each week, the Press Herald sports writers compile a list of nominees based on the performances in the most recent high‑school competitions across the state. The nominees are then made available on the paper’s website, where any member of the public can cast a vote for the athlete they feel deserves the title.
The winners are announced on the following Sunday, ensuring that the spotlight remains on the athletes throughout the entire fall sports season. The series covers a broad range of sports, from football and basketball to track and field, providing a platform for athletes who may not otherwise receive statewide recognition.
Reader engagement and subscription perks
While the voting process is open to all, readers with a subscription to the Portland Press Herald receive additional benefits. Subscribers can gift up to five articles each month, allowing them to share the excitement with family and friends. The Press Herald also offers a “Gift Article” feature, which lets users send a link to a story without requiring a new account or subscription.
The program is supported by sponsorship from the Maine State Credit Union, which proudly backs the coverage of local high‑school sports. This partnership helps keep the feature free for the broader community while maintaining the high quality of reporting.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, the “Fall Athlete of the Week” list will continue to grow, showcasing the hard work and dedication of Maine’s young athletes. The Press Herald’s commitment to highlighting local talent ensures that the community can rally behind its teams and celebrate the achievements of its next generation of sports stars.
Readers can follow the series online or in the Sunday newspaper and can participate in the voting by visiting the Press Herald website. For those interested in staying up to date on all high‑school sports, the paper’s extensive coverage—spanning football, basketball, track, and more—provides a comprehensive look at Maine’s youth athletics scene.
— Maine News Now
