The valley finally gets what it’s been waiting for: league games that feel like November in late September. We start by rewinding a wild week six—Yucca Valley pulling away late behind Aiden Shannon and Clyde King, La Quinta clawing back from 22-0 only to fall in OT, Coachella Valley learning through a one-score loss, and Cathedral City winning hearts with a throwback T formation and a ball-hawking 4-2-5. Add in 29 Palms’ third straight win, Indio’s reset after a letdown, and Desert Chapel’s steady climb, and the story is clear: identities are forming just as the games start to count double.

Then the board lights up. We break down Thursday rivalries—Desert Mirage at Coachella Valley, DHS at 29 Palms, CMI at Desert Chapel, Cathedral City at Indio—through the lens of pace, depth, and matchup geometry. From ball control strategies to contain integrity, we map the small edges that swing rivalry nights when players and coaches know each other’s tells.

Friday’s DEL slate is a three-act thriller. Palm Springs at La Quinta tests the bye-week rhythm theory against live-rep sharpness in a matchup with title stakes and playoff atmosphere. Palm Desert at Xavier renews the Cook Street rivalry, pitting a stout Aztec defense and rising offense against a balanced, well-coached Saints squad—health and quarterback play loom large. Shadow Hills at Rancho Mirage brings playmakers everywhere and schemes that can score in bunches, making situational defense and special teams the likely deciders. We also react to the MaxPreps projections that slot La Quinta first and Palm Springs second—while spotlighting why this league might end in a shared crown again.

Join us on the sidelines as we call out the keys, circle the swing plays, and celebrate a valley where every team can beat every team. If you’re fired up for DEL kickoff, tap follow, share this with a fellow fan, and tell us your Game of the Week pick. Your replies might guide where we point the cameras next.

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