Desert Valley Blitz

Ep#8-Shadow Hills’ surge, Palm Springs’ statement, and a DEL race that got real

• CV Hustle Studios • Season 1 • Episode 8

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A four-and-two surge meets an undefeated buzzsaw, and suddenly the Desert Empire League feels like a bracket before the bracket. We sit down with Shadow Hills head coach David Palmer to unpack how a four-deep receiver room, a flexible QB plan, and a timely shift to a 3-3-5 defense flipped their Rancho Mirage matchup and set the stage for a heavyweight trip to Palm Springs. If you care about game-planning, RPO answers, and how to build an offense around what your players do best, you’ll love this one.

From our sideline vantage at La Quinta vs Palm Springs, we break down why Bishop Miller looks like the league’s MVP frontrunner, how Jordan Johnson powers the ground game, and why Coach Brown’s defense might be the most underrated unit in the valley. We also dive into Xavier Prep’s stingy blueprint in a 19–14 win over Palm Desert, what four La Quinta turnovers really mean for the race, and how injuries and discipline impact the tight margins of DEL play.

Across the valley, we spotlight Cathedral City’s throwback T formation pounding Indio, Yucca Valley and Banning lighting up a 100-point scoreboard behind junior star Aidan Pope’s six-touchdown eruption, Desert Hot Springs pitching a near-shutout on the road, and Desert Chapel finally breaking through with a defense-led first win. Then we set the table for Week Eight: Rancho Mirage at Palm Desert in a true must-win, Shadow Hills at Palm Springs in a firepower test where defense decides it, Xavier at La Quinta with QB decisions under the microscope, Banning’s track meet vs Twentynine Palms, and a rivalry renewed as DCA hosts Desert Chapel.

Tap play for tactical insight, player spotlights, and clear matchup keys you can use to watch smarter on Friday night. If this brought you value, like, subscribe, and leave a review so more local fans can find Desert Valley Blitz. Your prediction for Game of the Week?

#highschoolfootball #coachellavalley #football #mayorscup #indiohighschool #shadowhillshighschool #palmdeserthighschool #laquintahighschool #coachellavalleyhighschool #palmspringshighschool #xavierprep #ranchomiragehighschool #cathedralcityhighschool #desertmiragehighschool #desertchristianacademy #desertchapel #deserthotspringshighschool #yuccavalleyhighschool #29palmshighschool

SPEAKER_02:

Welcome back, everyone, to Desert Valley Blitz. We're into our week seven wrap-up. I can't believe we're already in week seven, coach. Here we had some great dockets of games this weekend, but we're gonna start because we have a special guest today, Coach uh David Palmer of Shadow Hills, varsity football coach. Thanks for coming in, man. Thanks. Hey, thanks, guys. Yeah, appreciate being here. Yeah, so we're gonna, you guys uh are off to a four and two start, man. A really good, really good start for you guys. What do you kind of uh what are you kind of thinking of your start for this year's uh team?

SPEAKER_04:

You know, we we start off the same way we did last year. I'm I'm excited. You know, we're we're in a good place. Um our receiving core is the same receiver core we had last year. That helps. So we're already uh the curve and the offense that we implemented last year is it's flowing this year. We definitely can see how the difference is. Um the quarterbacks have changed, uh, but the quarterback schemes have changed for each one. Different type of quarterbacks, and uh it's evolved for us where we can actually reach out further with the quarterback we got. Um so they're both different quarterbacks, a different way of playing. We're uh scheming to the quarterback we got now, which is you know, the it's nice when you got you can get 40 yards out and absolutely reach.

SPEAKER_02:

So and speaking to those receivers, you got a you got a stable of really good receivers this year, right? Four starting receivers are pretty good.

SPEAKER_01:

It makes it easy, yeah.

SPEAKER_04:

Four guys they're good. They're all game breakers, right? Then that's the thing. It's like you can cover one, the other one's gonna be open. You cover two, the other one's gonna be open. Either one, I mean, all four of them are just they're playmakers, right? Just get them the ball and they're gonna make a difference.

SPEAKER_02:

Right. And one of them is Reef, right? We've had Reef's been around for a couple years. Uh Shaheem. Shaheem. Yeah, he's a big time target too, right?

SPEAKER_04:

Target, and we got peffs.

SPEAKER_02:

Okay.

SPEAKER_04:

Oh, that's right. Yeah, we got peffers and um we got Garcia.

SPEAKER_02:

Okay.

SPEAKER_04:

So they all, I mean, they own a piece of the field every different direction. And they they know their areas and they work it, and it's really nice just to watch them play. It's exciting. I mean, putting points. Yeah, we played Patriot and they were scoring within two minutes.

SPEAKER_02:

Wow.

SPEAKER_04:

I mean, that's how we got the 51 points. I mean, boom, boom, back and forth. Boom, boom, back and forth. On the second overtime, I was tired. I just want to go home.

SPEAKER_03:

Yeah, win or lose on a emotional game. This is like going for two. Well, defense, we're on all night. All right, can you hold the ball just a little bit longer?

SPEAKER_02:

Well, that's a blessing to have, though, is four guys. I mean, who you double covering, right? I mean, everybody everybody can beat you. So that's a good thing to have. Um, speaking of that, this week, man, you guys came in DL, man, first week and came out and really had a great game, man. You guys beat uh Rancho 18 to 14. Can you kind of speak of uh how that game went down for you? What you liked about that game?

SPEAKER_04:

Um, you know, they're league champions, and uh we were only, I believe, a touchdown away last year. Uh but this year, you know, I we offense, you know, they were ready. They but they've been ready. They can do their thing. I've seen what they can do. It's defense what I was worried about. And we we changed up our defense a little bit because we're not front, and um we made some changes. We adjusted our defense to a different defense. We went to a 3-3-5, which I think would have attacked their RPO more better. And uh yeah, it worked. I mean, we held them to one touchdown on our end. I mean, it worked because they scored once and that was it. Yeah, I mean, they had some threats. I mean, there's some dudes on that team. Don't get it wrong. Yeah, I mean, they had some dudes, but yeah, you know, we we did our job, we stepped to our scheme, um, and the kids just did their job, and I was I was very proud of them both ends. Right.

SPEAKER_02:

So they went defense stepped up, man. I mean, you guys they I think they went down and scored pretty early, and then you guys basically blanked them the rest of the game.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, you know, you gotta get out there and you know that's that's impressive. But you know, there we had a couple kids that were uh fresh, we were waiting for them to start league. And uh we got him adjusted after first quarter. Okay, then once he knew, okay, yeah, here it is. This we had to show hey, this is here's your hold, and you gotta make sure you're on top of that. And he's like, Oh, oh, okay, I got that, and she was gone. So we were excited. I mean, we had some dudes hurt, but they played through it. Everybody's getting sick right now, too. So yeah, it's going around. Yeah, so but you know, they pushed through it. We told them all week everybody was sick. I'm like, you guys gotta push through this. It's a man's game, right? You know, and this is the time to do it. Playing out Lewis, you know, commercial. Hey, it's a man's game. You guys better step up. Hey, they responded pretty good to it.

SPEAKER_02:

They did. I mean, the proofs in the pudding, man. One and no in league. I mean, that's an awesome start for you guys that you put yourselves right in the contention to win the whole thing. Um, kind of moving on. I mean, the schedulers didn't do you guys any favors, man, because you're now onto the undefeated, uh undefeated league rival Palm Springs, who looked really good, really good this year.

SPEAKER_04:

They they are really impressive. I mean, they I'm I'm proud of that that coaching stuff over there that they turned that around and they're doing a really great job. Um I'm happy for them. Yeah, happy for them. They need this. So, but my job is to go in here and destroy it.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, that's right. This week, eh? This week we're not friends. I mean, I'm gonna be able to do it.

SPEAKER_04:

We're not friends, but I I love Paul Springs. There's some great guys up there and good coaches. Yeah, they're good coaches, they are good coaches, and um, I want to go in there and we're gonna do our best. You know, we're gonna, you know, they got two dudes, and those dudes are dudes. Dudes, man. I mean, one of them, unfortunately, we took out last year. Um, we didn't mean to, but unfortunately, he broke his arm during our game.

SPEAKER_00:

Okay.

SPEAKER_04:

Um, Koya. And uh, you know, I'm sure he's gonna want revenge on us for that.

SPEAKER_01:

Hey, you don't want him wanting to revenge on the water. But you know, hey, man.

SPEAKER_04:

We're gonna plan it. We'll we'll scheme it. You know, we'll change our fronts. You know, we're a very oddly dimension team. We can do a lot of different things. So we'll scheme for it. Offensively, you know, our guys do what they do. They are they can score. I'm looking forward to the matchup. Yeah, they can score. We played some big dudes already, way some real big dudes.

SPEAKER_02:

So we're we're capable of holding our own. Yeah, I think uh we're gonna be having some offensive fireworks this week because we saw Pawn Springs offensively, they're potent. You guys are you guys are potent offensively.

SPEAKER_04:

As a matter of fact, the last three years, we just whoever outscores each other. Yeah, I mean, it's been in the high 30s. Really? The games have all been. Yeah, the last two games has been in the 30s against who can just score outscore each other. So whoever has the ball last, yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

So well, I mean, uh, you guys got a chance with the the guys you got, man, throwing throwing the ball all over the place with those receivers, and then you got the nice little back that kind of complements some of that, some of that stuff.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, because when we go in the empty, you said our our uh running back definitely makes a difference because then we got too many threats out there. Yeah, there's not a big enough zone, and that's a defensive coordinator nightmare. It's like white center fields, yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

Exactly, man. I'm glad I don't have to prepare for these things anymore. We'll just sit back and enjoy. League to watch and talk about it, man.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, it's a rough, you know, when league comes, you're you're up. It's like, oh gosh, can we finish the yellow? I'm up every night wondering, okay, what about this? What about this?

SPEAKER_01:

Games are close, they come down to one play sometimes, man.

SPEAKER_04:

And it's and you try to tell the kids that you're like, hey, you know, any you know, during preseason, your your fumble here or interception here, or you know, a dumb get mad play or something, it costs you. And yeah, you can't make those mistakes in league because it's two turnovers that can cost you a game.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, and it can cost you the playoffs in this league. Yeah, right. One one bad loss, an untimely loss, and you know, you could be instead of first, you'd be in fifth, you know, in this league. So hats off to you guys, man. Coach, you did a great job this week. We're looking for continued success for you. Yeah, and we thank you for coming in, man, and talking to us of the definition.

SPEAKER_04:

It takes a staff to do what we do. It's not just one guy. So yeah, I gotta get props off to my staff too. They, you know, my staff and my school supports us, so you know, gotta give them props for helping us get us where we are at. Because with with one person, you ain't got the other thing. Can't do it by yourself, yeah. You can't do it by yourself. It's a it's a team, man. You gotta have great people around you.

SPEAKER_02:

So yeah, gotta build a good staff. Shout out to your staff, man. Yeah, they're doing a good job. You guys got your work cut out for you this week, though. Yeah, we do.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, we do. Yeah, okay.

SPEAKER_02:

But but we thank you for coming in, coach. It's been a it's been a great talking to you and kind of picking your brain, getting some of that, some of that good football knowledge. And we look to have you back here real soon.

SPEAKER_04:

Oh, yeah. Yeah, no problem. Thank you guys for letting me be here and you know, shoot the crap with you guys.

SPEAKER_02:

Talk some X's and O's. Anytime, coach, anytime. All right, so we're gonna be back uh with the rest of the preview right after uh word from our sponsors. Looking to upgrade your home? Tile Designs by Fina is your one-stop destination for beautiful flooring, hard surfaces, and countertops. From timeless design, modern styles, they've got the perfect look for every room. Stop by today and transform your space with Tile Designs by Fina. Let's design together.

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SPEAKER_02:

Welcome back, everybody, to Desert Valley Blitz, week seven wrap-up. Now, week seven was real special for the Desert Valley Blitz team because it was the first uh week we got to actually go to a game as a team and kind of stand on the sidelines. So shout out to Laquinta High School and and uh all the guys over there, man, all the administrators and coaches for giving us that opportunity. It was a real great time. It was so fun. We were able to stand on the sidelines for the the game, basically the game of the year thus far between La Quinta and Palm Springs. And uh going into that game a little bit, coach, the final score on that one, Palm Springs 32, Lakinta 13. Yeah, what were your takeaways of of that game?

SPEAKER_01:

Uh Palm Springs, very efficient, man. They didn't make a lot of mistakes. Um, and we knew that coming in. Uh they they've shown that they that's how they play. Um Bishop Miller's The Truth. Yeah, the truth is probably the best quarterback in the league right now. And um, Jordan Johnson, the running back, was amazing too. So he might be the best running back in the league. I think so. I think you're right. He made some fantastic plays. That's a one-two combination, man. And then on the other side, just Lakinta, you know, they they made a lot of mistakes, uh, four turnovers. Um, I don't care how good you are, you you you turn the ball over four times, you're probably gonna lose. So um they had hints. Uh they they were moving the ball fine, and then they just would cough it up, and then they'd get back on that offense moving, moving, and then they'd throw a pick. So um, yeah, I I I'd like to if you know, I would you know, it's my blackhawks, I don't like seeing them lose, but uh hats off to Pawn Springs, man. They're very good. You gotta give them credit, man. Yeah, you know, when you're a good athlete, the best thing you can be is consistent. They were very consistent all night. Um, they they executed at a high level, and hats off to them. The coaches did a great job. Um, it was fun, man. It was it's still a great game. I I loved watching it. Uh those uh plays that Bishop made were crazy. There is there was that crazy play, he's spinning around, throws the ball up. I mean, there was a flag on the play, they brought it back, but that could have been another 70-yard touchdown or whatever it was. So um it was fun. I had a great time.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, it was a special performance by Bishop Miller. I think um he's kind of solidified himself as the MVP candidate early on. I know it's early. It is early, so that kid when they needed a play, that guy made the play. You know, and you could see his just calming presence on that offense. You know, we kind of worried about Rust, you know, them being off. Yeah, we no, yeah. The first drive was like 15-play drive. Bishop Miller got them down there and a score and made it look easy and executed at the high level, yeah. It was very impressive. From a high school kid, the poise, the precision, the athleticism. I mean, it's all there. He's gonna be hard to beat. It's gonna like Palm. So my takeaway from that game is Palm Springs is is is solidify themselves as a front runner. Like it's a long season, stuff could happen. They still gotta play a bunch of really good teams. They're unbeaten, but they're they're unbeaten for a reason. And we kind of saw that, didn't we? Yeah, we did.

SPEAKER_01:

No, they're a good team. They played good football, Laquinta, man. So for them to come in there and do that, um, it was impressive.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, very impressive. I think one thing La Quinta's got to hang their hat on is that they're they're beat up, man. We counted how many starters out for them with that? A lot of guys out. Yeah, we were walking up and five guys, five starters not playing. Yeah, eight guys out. There's some crutch, there's a lot of crutches on the sideline there. Well, they had an infirmary report over there, man. But then they lost two more guys during the game as well, right? Yeah, but not. Yeah, Tyson and uh I don't know who else. Simon Simon Salonian got, you know, he got hurt. Got dinged up a little bit. So the Quintas, man, that that whole little taking the bye week at the beginning theory. Um from my perspective, uh that might that might have come back to bite you a little bit, especially when you right now. You get into play all center, and then you got to play league and you're beat up. So, you know, that just from my perspective, that that was that was uh that was a detriment to this week, just being so beat up, you know.

SPEAKER_01:

I thought Palm Springs defense played really well too. Coach Brown did a good job scheming, um, held him, you know, they they really was only six points. Um they scored that last one towards the end of the sea uh end of the game. Um I'd have to imagine, you know, Coach Brown's been in the league for so long, he's probably got like a book on each team. Yeah, who am I playing this year? And he just pulls out this big book. I'm sure he does. I'm sure he does, man. Yeah, but he defense was humming, man.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, the defense, I mean, underrated unit, right? Everybody talks about their offense. Yeah, they that was a question mark, and that defense showed up. Yeah, they're talented too. They got that freshman, uh Tank Smith. That guy, that guy had about 10 tackles as a freshman. I mean, geez, I mean, talk about being loaded. So Cobra Polo did his thing. It was it was it was impressive. So shout out to the to the Palm Springs Indians, definitely solidifying, in my opinion, their their status as a front runner and DEL. A lot of things can change, injuries happen. Yeah, everything's gonna be a good thing. Oh, Lakita's gonna bounce back. Lakinta will be back. Don't worry, Black Hawk fans. Lakinta will be back. They fix those mistakes. That's a close, close game. Yeah, we gotta get healthy, gotta get healthy. You know, I don't we don't know who's who's gonna be healthy this week because they got another tough one this week. We'll get to that one, but um definitely impressive performance. So Palm Springs looking good out there. Great job, guys. Um, moving on, DEL, another game we're real excited about. Um, Xavier Prepped 19, Palm Desert 14. Did you have a chance to catch this one?

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, I saw a little bit. It's one of those weird games. There wasn't a whole lot of offense. Actually, the loser had, you know, was able to move the ball a little bit, um, more than Xavier on offense, uh, but they just, you know, petered out in the in the red zone, um, couldn't get it in. That's that's that tough defense Xavier has. And I I tell people all the time, they they want you to have those 13, 14, 15 play drives because in I think, in their opinion, I'm not over there, but I think they just figure that a high school kid somewhere along that offense is gonna make a mistake, whether it's a fumble or jump off sides, and all of a sudden you're you're behind on the sticks. And man, they play really good defense. Uh, it's hard to throw on them. And um, I think Palm Desert saw found that out, and they just couldn't get the ball in the end zone.

SPEAKER_02:

And yeah, Palm Deser had a rough night with the turnovers and special teams. Apparently, those are kind of the difference in the games. And you know, when you get into league, can't make mistakes.

SPEAKER_01:

What happens when you you know playing a good defense?

SPEAKER_02:

You turn the ball over and bad things happen, right? Yeah. So I think uh, you know, Palm Deser thinking maybe that's a game they could have got, could have got if they didn't because they were there at the end. I mean, it wasn't like they had they they were moving the ball at the end to try and take the take the lead on the last second drive and kind of just fell a couple yards short there. So Palm Desert definitely definitely was in the game despite all those mistakes.

SPEAKER_01:

I think Xavier wants wants a little bit more out of their offensive unit. If they could have got that, I I I don't think the game's close, but um, they left them in the game and they they had a chance. Palm Desert had a chance to come back and win. Right.

SPEAKER_02:

So it's gonna be it's gonna be interesting to see how these teams bounce back. Xavier got a tough one, and yeah, Pawn Deser got a tough one as well.

SPEAKER_01:

Another close game, man. I mean, we knew you we knew the DEL was gonna be tight, tight race, and this first week shows that for sure.

SPEAKER_02:

So um, but yeah, we'll we'll get to the next, but they both got some pretty big tests. We'll get that in the next segment. Yeah, um, Shadow Hills Rancho, Shadow Hills 18, Rancho Mars 14. We kind of touched on this one already with Coach Palmer. Um, Shadow Hills though, putting themselves right in the mix for a uh for a DEL championship at this point. People might be sleeping on that squad. Yeah, there may be some uh there was an altercation in this game, as everybody knows. There's gonna be some people missing, and we'll get to that kind of the next second. You never want to see that stuff.

SPEAKER_01:

But guys, just down the sideline. Yeah, stay on the sideline, know the rules, yeah. Jump out there, you're gonna get suspended. Yeah, just down the sideline. That's my best advice, man.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, so that that could affect these games coming up. I think it will affect this game coming up, but um, but so far, Shadow Hills takes the early lead in the DEL with uh Palm Springs and Xavier. So very interesting first week in that league. Awesome. It was fun. But that was those weren't the only games. So we had a couple other really exciting games. Cat City went into Indio. Cat City 36, Indio 6, man. I told you Cat City, I sleep on those lions, man. Don't sleep on those lions, huh?

SPEAKER_01:

That throwback uh T formation.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, I mean they they went in there and handled Indio pretty well. Um Trace Vargas of Cat City had two touchdowns. Um, pretty dominant performance by Cat City. I mean, they ran the ball all over the place.

SPEAKER_01:

Better and better at down blocking.

SPEAKER_02:

Their defense basically shut out. Indio. Indio did score, I guess, on the last play of the drive, but you know, it was a pretty dominant performance. So I think Cat City's trending in the right direction for this league. You know, hey, that's what Coach Lee probably wanted. That was maybe the plan the whole time, right?

SPEAKER_01:

They might make a push in the league, man. Watch out for those lions.

SPEAKER_02:

Pretty impressive performance. To go on the road and do that to anybody is a pretty impressive performance. Speaking of impressive performances, though, here's a score for your coach. Yucker Valley 62 banning 42. 62 points. 62 points. 42, that's 100 points in a game. Yeah, that's a lot of offense. A lot of offense, man. Probably fun to watch. I gotta check that game out. I mean, it wouldn't be fun if you're coaching defense. That's a game you're involved with. I can already feel an ulcer coming up from watching that game. But apparently, this game was a barn burner, man. Like it would going into the fourth quarter, the score was 42 to 42. So these offenses were just going nuts. Nobody's nobody's making any stops at this point.

SPEAKER_01:

Banning's scoring some points this year.

SPEAKER_02:

Banning's putting up points too. We knew Yucca has some offensive weapons, but Banning as well. They're they're throwing they're throwing up some touchdowns and points everywhere. So um, I guess Yucca Valley kind of went on a 20-nothing run in the fourth quarter to kind of seal it and pull away. Yeah, I'm gonna know what the adjustment was yet. I'd love to see some film on that. I'm gonna try to find it and watch it. Um, junior Aiden Pope. We've talked about this guy on the, he's a he's a real talented junior up there at Yucca. Six touchdowns in a game, single game. That's gotta be some kind of record. If that's not a record, man, that that's that's gotta be. I didn't really specifically say, but six in one game is a pretty good day at the office. I mean, that's career. Some guys don't get six in a career. So one game, six touchdowns. So shout out to that kid, man. Aidan Pope, Yucca Valley, but Yucca Valley is. Yeah, pretty impressive performance, man. 62 points on banning. So Yucca Valley's trending in the right direction. They're coming up, they got a nice test in two weeks.

SPEAKER_01:

They just scoring bunches, man. Their offense is nice.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, and they open up in two weeks at CV. First game of the league. Watch out. Here we go. We'll be talking about that one more and more, but that's that one's gonna be another offensive explosion. Fun to watch. Moving on, Desert Christian Academy 46, New Bridge Zero. So Desert Christian moves to 7 and 0. Good job. DCA, man. My Conkers. I told you they might not lose this year. They might not lose this year. I looked at that schedule and I go, hey, these guys, I know what they got over there, and they're pretty impressive, man. So shout out to the Conkers, man. They keep rolling. I thought we thought, I think we thought this would be a little closer. Yeah, I was thinking they'd yeah. Give them some type of game. Blanked them. Hey, the Conkers, man, they're rolling right now. They haven't uh they haven't given up a touchdown in like three weeks. So got a lot of good coaches over there, man. A lot of good coaches in that program. I'm telling you, they're they're building it, so watch out for them in the future. Um, so moving on now, we're gonna talk about Thursday's night game, a couple interesting games on Thursday. The date bowl, C V versus Desert Mirage, final score, C V 56, Desert Mirage 14, coach.

SPEAKER_01:

It's about how we expected. I was hoping that, you know, for a little closer of a game, but yeah, it wasn't a total blow in the first half.

SPEAKER_02:

So first half score 21-14. Oh, there you go. Yeah, so Desert Mirage is battling early. I think they might have ran out of juice. CV does go on 30, uh 35-point run, though, at the end here and kind of pulls away handily. High-powered offense. And then they got those two Ivans. They got Ivan uh Garza at quarterback. He's out there slinging the rock, and then they got that running back that's pretty dang good, putting up big numbers. I love that. Ivan Camargo, he's doing a good job out there. He had to replace one of their best ever, and he's doing a great job. Yeah, he's doing it, man. He's doing it. He ran for a couple touchdowns. So CV's starting to look like CV again. I think uh, like I said, they're they're gonna be on a bye and then on to probably the game of the year for them. Yeah. Yucca Valley, which uh, you know, I hope we can get out to that game because I think that'll be the DVO. It's looking like the the de facto DV. Yeah, we'll we'll be on the we'll be on the horn to Coach Johnson, see if we can get out there and get some footage for that. But C V starting to look like CV again. They did their thing against Desert Mirage. Um, everybody's they'll both be on buys getting ready to get it. They're kind of revved up right in the perfect part of the season. Yeah, and they're all gonna be in league in two weeks. So good job, C V, man. Yeah, they're getting back to themselves. Another impressive one, and maybe one that me and you did not expect after last week's results. Desert Hot Springs goes up to 29 palms. Desert Hot Springs 36, 29 palm six. I thought it'd be closer. 29 was doing good jobs. Three game win streak snapped.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

At home. Golden Eagles, baby. Golden Eagles. I'm telling you, man, whenever you count those golden eagles out, they just they just come back strong and they they come back and surprise a lot of people, man. That I mean, that's a good I they had a chance. I thought they could win, but I didn't think they would just totally dominate at 36 to 6. So shout out to the Golden Eagles, man. Coach P, man. He got those kids ready to go up there, man. Good job on that. Um, for the for Desert, uh, for the Desert Hot Springs, they had they had a really good defensive showing. Pitched a shutout. I guess the only score was on a pick six.

SPEAKER_01:

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, and then their quarterback, Jalen Turner, he did his thing. He he was all over the place. He's a great player, man. Yeah, running the offense. Dominic Ambal led the offensive way with a couple rushing touchdowns. So they're I've been waiting for that Russian attack for the Golden Eagles. So they got it rolling, man.

SPEAKER_01:

They get that thing going. It's watch out.

SPEAKER_02:

They got it rolling. So Desert Desert Hot Springs, man, they're going into league on the right note. I think they're on a bye as well. Another team's up, ready to go at the right time. Taking the bye and being ready to go. So we'll see them in two weeks. And then finally, um, last one of the week on Thursday, our Desert Chapel. Desert Chapel 21, California Military Institute Zero. First design. Desert Chapel gets their first win, man. How good that feels. It's a pretty impressive win. I mean, 21 points wasn't that close. Um, you know, Desert Chapel gets that first win. Um, their quarter, they get a shutout, so that's always good. When the defense shows up for Desert Chapel, I think they got a chance. And then their quarterback, um, he did his thing. His name's Sam Moorhis. He threw for three touchdowns.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

And even without their uh their phenom uh receiver, he was out. Um Garcia was not scoring points. But they're still scoring points. It's a good system to get there. Desert Chapel, man. Shout out to those guys that get their first win. Yeah, they've been able to put up points all year. Yeah, we've been kind of waiting for this, right? Yeah. We've been kind of waiting. Just the defense. I think with them, it's just the defense showing up. And yeah, and if they get some defensive play, they're gonna be in the game because we know they can score some points. So that's awesome, man. So first first win, every every team now has a win in the valley. So we're excited. You know, nobody's going over, and that's a good thing. So that's gonna do it for this week seven wrap-up. We're gonna be back to preview a pretty exciting week eight coming up. Yeah, we're just getting started. Just getting started, man. So we'll be right back after a word from our sponsors. Tired of payroll headaches? iPay Solutions is your local payroll and HR partner right here in the Coachella Valley. From direct deposits to compliance, we handle the details so you can focus on growing your business. iPay Solutions, local, reliable, and built for your success. Welcome back, everybody, to Desert Valley Blitz. We're gonna go move on to our week eight preview, which I can't believe it's already week eight, man. But we're in the second week of DEL play, and we start off with some bangers, coach. So what's your uh game of the week for this week?

SPEAKER_01:

I think it's gotta be um Palm Desert, right? Palm Desert, uh uh Rancho Mirage. Rancho Mirage, yeah. Because they get they're both winless, you know. They can someone's gonna probably not make playoffs if they lose this one. Yeah. Um there's a lot to play for. Uh obviously, Rancho's got um uh, you know, they had the some guy, they're missing some guys. Obviously, there's an altercation. So they're you know, it's that's a factor. So I don't know who's gonna win, but it's gonna be a good game.

SPEAKER_02:

Right, and it's at Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage at Palm Desert. Um, yeah, like you said, I think this is a playoff game because who loser is gonna be if you're 0-2, start 0-2 in this league. I don't you're you're basically out of contention to win the thing. You're hoping some other guys fall that are that beat you. You're gonna need a lot of help to get to the playoffs if you start 0-2.

SPEAKER_01:

So already we got two teams on the hot seat.

SPEAKER_02:

So it's gonna be all hands on deck this week, right? Because you gotta win this game. So whatever you are saving, you gotta throw it out, man. Yeah. And Ratchet Mirage's gotta play a little desperate because you know they're gonna they're gonna be short-handed. You know, there's there's some people that may not play that game. So Palm Desert and Palm Desert at times looked good against Xavier, right? You said they'd looked at the floor. They had flashes, yeah.

SPEAKER_01:

AJ Rivera threw some paws, you know. They they were moving, they just that um moving the ball, they just couldn't get the ball in the end zone, and that's that's it's credit to the defense of Xavier, man. It's they they play stingy defense, and yeah. Um, yeah, they they they made the plays, and Palm Desert didn't. That's just how it goes. So they did show hints, so yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

So Palm Desert looking to rebound um against the rancho teams that's coming in a little wounded. So I think this is gonna be you know, uh they're gonna be fighting out there. This is this is a battle for survival. So survival of the fittest, great game of the week. Um, Palm Desert at Rancho coming into Palm Desert. Yeah, it's gonna be playoff, playoff atmosphere. Yeah for sure, for sure. Moving on, another DEL week two game, Shadow Hills at Palm Springs, coach.

SPEAKER_01:

Another, you know, two high-powered offenses going to bat. Um, it's it's almost like whose defense is gonna show up. So right.

SPEAKER_02:

And Shadow Hills again will not have a few guys because of that altercation against Rancho. It'll be a factor. I mean, it might be a factor.

SPEAKER_01:

We don't know who if they're anyone's gonna be suspended. We don't know. Yeah. But it, you know, it's looking like maybe someone might be suspended.

SPEAKER_02:

So yeah, and hopefully it's not a big time clog in an offense or defense because to beat Palm Springs at home, you're gonna have to be at your best because that Palm Springs team is rolling right now. Bishop Miller's got those guys rolling. I mean, I don't know. Mistake-free football coming your way. They there's a reason they're 6-0. Yeah, right? There's a reason they're six and oh, and you're gonna go into the Palm Springs house and beat them. It's gonna take almost a near perfect, perfect game.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah. So Shadow Hills can do it though. They, I mean, they got that, you know, their offense is clicking. I actually like their defense. Their defense is stingy, man. They they they play good defense. I love the way their safety plays. Uh he he reads that he uh on a run play, he'll make that play on the line of scrimmage. And uh, that's really good football for free safety to do. So um I give the edge Palm Springs, but don't don't sleep on those uh nights. So yeah, shadow.

SPEAKER_02:

I mean, speaking of their defense, I mean they they basically shut Rancho down in that second half. I mean, even from the second quarter on.

SPEAKER_01:

So and and and Coach Matthews' offense is tricky, so to figure them out and and and hold them to that many points is super impressive. It's a good job, man.

SPEAKER_02:

Good job by the staff, good job by the kids, man. So another great game, both one and oh. So we'll see. Whoever wins this one, that could be a game. So that's another great one. Um, and then lastly on the DEL schedule, Xavier Prep going into La Quinta. Your your La Quinta Blackhawks are 0-1. Xavier Prep is one and oh. Um, what are we looking like in that game?

SPEAKER_01:

Every year we play each other, it's a good game, man. So it yeah, I I don't expect anything differently. I know Lakinta's got a lot of injuries. Um, I don't know if they're getting more people back this year, but that you know, we got to go to the game, and there was a lot of guys on crutches, so yeah, um, that might be a factor, but uh it's gonna be a game, man. It's tough defense on Xavier. I think they're still looking to find their identity on offense. Um uh and La Quinta, they they've shown the ability to play good defense and good offense. Um, they just gotta fix the mistakes. Uh you can't fumble the ball, you can't throw picks, you gotta you gotta take care of that ball.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01:

So um, you know, I'm a laquinta guy, I'm going for Laquinta, but it's gonna be a good game.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, and that defense for Xavier is gonna be a test, right? Yeah, it I think it comes down to which quarterback plays better, I think. You know, this is another quarterback matchup, Quinn's League versus uh Palome. You know, whoever kind of doesn't make mistakes, doesn't make mistakes, takes what the defense gives you. Yep, makes the best decisions. So that'll be a test for Laquinta. You know, Laquita doesn't want to start 0 2 in league. That's gonna be tough. Yeah, you know, and Xavier, if they can pull that one off, they're they're right there, man. They're right there. So very interesting matchup.

SPEAKER_01:

You start 0 2. I mean, you you're looking at maybe not making playoffs. So it's another tough game that Laquinta's got to show up. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

Just uh just uh just another another another reason not to be in the DEL, man. We knew it was gonna be like this. We knew it. So it's a tough, it's tough. One or two games here and season is over after uh all that work comes to this moment. So we're looking forward to another good one. Plus Dan Armstrong's uh be at the game. Local legend will be there coming to town to get the field dedicated to him. That's gonna be awesome, man.

SPEAKER_01:

Hey, that's awesome, man. That's we need more of that stuff. I was lucky to just be there at the start of that journey. Um, I was there for the first Hell Week that Dan ever did. It was actually at La Quinta Middle because high school wasn't even done yet. Really? Yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

Oh, you're at the first training camp in the Valley for Dan.

SPEAKER_01:

Very proud to be there. Yeah, I just thought it was fun. So I'm looking forward to seeing him again. And um, yeah, it's gonna be that's gonna be awesome.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, so that's gonna be another little tidbit to that game, is the the kids should be hyped up and hopefully might give the quinta a little bit more juice for that game. But we'll see. We'll see how it goes. You know, you never know with the high school kids sometimes. I'm gonna have to wear my ring on that that occasion, man. You're gonna buzz out the ring? Okay, you're gonna flex on everybody out there, got it CIF ring? Yeah, that's cool, man. I'll I'll uh we'll let you do that and flex for one night.

SPEAKER_01:

One night, yeah. Um then I'll put it back in the box.

SPEAKER_02:

All right, so cool little cool little event happening to the quintess this week. We'll have a little bit more coverage on that in the next episode. But um next game, another pretty good game coming up. 29 palms at banning. So 29 palms Wildcats coming off that surprising you know, loss to Desert Hot Springs.

SPEAKER_01:

It's a lot of points that give up.

SPEAKER_02:

They give up, yeah. They they and banning, man. Yeah, that's an offense, man.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, they put up some points on Yucca.

SPEAKER_02:

Yucca's good, man. They had a shootout with Yucca, they fell a little short, but they're gonna score some points. So I think uh 21 Palms got their got their work cut out for them to try and slow down that offense, right? They're on the road, and the two old league rivals, now no longer league rivals, so the coaches' staff will know each other well. So I think 21 Palms is gonna have their work cut out for it. Yeah, Banny's got some guys that can put some points on the board, but we'll see how that goes. 21 Palms kind of maybe gets back on the channel.

SPEAKER_01:

I'll try to check out their game. I haven't seen Benny play this year.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, Banny's, hey, I think they got some weapons. Cool. Looking at their numbers, they can put up some points. So that should be an interesting one. And then uh finally, uh, we only got five games this week. A lot of guys are on buys, but um, a pretty interesting one so hard. Desert Chapel is going to Desert Christian Academy here in Bermuda Dunes, man. Old rivals from the eight-man days. Old rivals from eight-man days. They've been playing for 40 years, these two schools. Yeah. Um, Desert Christian, hot though, man. I don't know. It's gonna be a tough task for Desert Chapel.

SPEAKER_01:

They they really don't stack up at the moment, but it's a rivalry game, kind of. So Desert Chapel might show up, man.

SPEAKER_02:

So I mean, you never know in rivalry games, right? You gotta throw the records out.

SPEAKER_01:

I've seen it all happen.

SPEAKER_02:

So throw the records out. Uh, hopefully it's a close game. I think uh Desert Chapel, hopefully they get some guys healthy. Um, but Desert Christian, man, they're rolling. They are rolling. They're rolling, man. They're 7-0 for a reason.

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

So Conquerors. They might they might win out this year. Yeah, well, that that's a very good possibility with the guys they got out there. But you know, Desert Chapel coming in, they got a chance. You know, it's a rivalry game. You know, maybe the kids are you know a little bit more fired up and they get some guys healthy. So it'll be interesting. Yeah, it'll be an interesting game out here in Bermuda Dunes to check out. So that's gonna do it for the for the preview of week eight. There's only five games on the schedule. Everybody else is on by. We're gonna get in the DVL and Sun Valley League play next week, coach. So we'll have another we'll have another preview to kind of go through. We'll have another preview next week on those guys. So we'll do our research and kind of get you guys the best information we got. But that's gonna do it for today. So if you guys found some value in this in this episode, you guys know the routine, man. Like, subscribe, and follow. And we'll see you next time on Desert Valley Blitz. Thank you.