10/06/2026
Presented by First American Bank & Trust, the monthly contest recognizes standout high school athletes for game-changing performances
BATON ROUGE, La. — 104.5 ESPN and Eagle 98.1 are once again putting the spotlight on high school athletes who deliver when their teams need them most through the Heart of the Game Award, presented by First American Bank & Trust, a banking tradition since 1910.
The monthly contest recognizes high school athletes across all sports for outstanding in-game performances. From game-winning plays and personal bests to dominant performances, critical defensive stops and clutch moments under pressure, Heart of the Game celebrates the athletes who make an impact in the moments that matter.
Nominations are open from the first through the 21st of each month through December.
Parents, grandparents, coaches, teammates, classmates and fans can nominate a high school athlete by sharing a performance or story that deserves recognition. Nominations should include details about the athlete’s plays, statistics or defining moments during any game or season.
“There are incredible moments happening in high school sports across our area every week,” said Brittany Tully, creative manager for Guaranty Media. “Heart of the Game gives families, coaches and fans a chance to make sure those performances do not go unnoticed. Whether it is a game-winning shot, a personal best or a comeback story like Cole’s, we want to celebrate the athletes behind those moments.”
After nominations close each month, a local sports panel reviews the entries and selects finalists. Fans then vote during the final week of the month to help determine the Heart of the Game Award winner.
Monthly winners receive:
- A $250 gift card
- A custom Heart of the Game Award plaque
- On-air interviews and recognition
- Features on the 104.5 ESPN and Eagle 98.1 websites and social media channels
- A spot in the Athlete of the Year finals at the end of the school year
September winner: Cole Delahoussaye
Cole Delahoussaye of Loreauville High School earned the September Heart of the Game Award after his grandmother, Glenda, nominated him following his standout return to the football field.
Delahoussaye missed the 2025 season after tearing his ACL but returned in 2026 and delivered the type of performance Heart of the Game was created to recognize. His nomination highlighted not only what happened on the field, but also the work it took to get back there.
“Heart of the Game is not about finding the athlete from the biggest school or the name everyone already knows,” Tully said. “If you watched an athlete have a game they will never forget, tell us about it. This is your chance to brag on your athlete and give that performance the recognition it deserves.”
The Heart of the Game Award continues monthly through December 2026.
To nominate a high school athlete, visit Eagle981.com.
104.5 ESPN & Eagle 98.1’s Heart of the Game Award is presented by First American Bank & Trust, a banking tradition since 1910.
Media Contact
Brittany Tully
Creative Manager
Guaranty Media
brittany.tully@guarantymedia.com
