Rivalry week is here, and the valley is buzzing. A single upset lit the fuse: Palm Desert stunned previously unbeaten Palm Springs with a ruthless first half, then survived a furious rally thanks to red‑zone grit and a game‑saving interception. That pivot didn’t just change a scoreline—it scrambled the DEL, turned tiebreakers into a maze, and set up a finale where a team could credibly finish anywhere from league champ to the four seed.

We walk through every hinge moment. La Quinta and Shadow Hills traded haymakers in a wild shootout where Roman Ansley’s dual‑threat brilliance met a fearless aerial attack, and a dropped fake‑punt pass became the one defensive “stop” that mattered. Xavier Prep showed the other path with a 14‑0 clinic: field position, disciplined coverage, and a late Kingston Palone burst to seal it. Those styles collide now as Shadow Hills’ receivers test Xavier’s touted secondary, while Palm Springs regroups behind Bishop Miller and braces for Rancho Mirage’s spark with Jeremiah Johnson returning.

Beyond the DEL, the DVL crowned Coachella Valley after a savvy shift to a run‑heavy plan while the starting QB heals, adding intrigue to the Bell Game with Indio—a rivalry where noise can rattle timing and pride shortens gaps. The SVL surges behind Banning’s precise passing and explosive balance, setting up two true play‑in games: 29 Palms at Yucca Valley for DVL second and Desert Hot Springs at Cathedral City for SVL second. Meanwhile, Desert Christian Academy rides a 9‑0 wave into a league title trip at unbeaten Vasquez, a perfect gut check before the bracket drops.

We map every scenario without the fluff: who owns head‑to‑head, where an at‑large makes sense, and which matchups travel in November—red‑zone efficiency, special teams swings, and quarterbacks who create on schedule and off. If you love high school football at full volume—flags, bells, and bragging rights—this week is your soundtrack.

If this breakdown hits the spot, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop your Flag Game pick in the comments. Your takes might make next week’s rundown.

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