We used to call this roundup segment "the five most important things that happened on Friday night" but at this time of year, with every game being a league game, we can't confine it to just five things.
So here is a roundup of EVERYTHING that happened Friday night.
Desert Empire League
Rancho Mirage can finally celebrate: After two heartbreaking losses against Palm Desert and La Quinta, the Rattlers had another toughie on Friday against league unbeaten Xavier Prep. The Rattlers trailed 14-7 at the half, but scored on an epic 12 minute drive to start the second half to tie the game. Scored again on their next possession to go up 21-14 and stymied the Saints the rest of the way with a smothering defense.
The win was a huge one for the Rattlers who stayed in the thick
of the league race and are in prime position for a playoff bid even with a 1-2 league mark. Quarterback Cael Woody had the offensive play of the game for the Rattlers with a 74-yard TD run on the first offensive play of the game.
For the Saints, it marked the third straight league game in which they scored exactly 14 points. The defense helped them win the first two and scored one of Friday's touchdowns on a pick six, but this time it wasn't enough.
Thursday Knight special: The week got off to an eye brow-raising start as Shadow Hills, which had been on a 5-game losing streak, including an 0-2 start to DEL play went on the road defeated Palm Desert 32-27. Damian Wells, who just recently had been inserted as the team's quarterback, threw for five touchdowns in the win and the defense made enough plays to preserve it.
Isaiah Woodson was electric in the game for the Knights with three touchdown receptions including a 74-yarder to put the game away in the fourth quarter.
La Quinta bus keeps rolling: The Blackhawks went on the road to Palm Springs and took a while to get revved, but once they did. They were unstoppable. Palm Springs led 14-7 before La Quinta scored 40 (yes, 40) unanswered points for a 47-14 win. La Quinta is 3-0 in DEL play, the only unbeaten team. Gregory Mora had 191 yards rushing and two touchdowns while QB Mason Flores had two touchdown passes and Cal Cherland had an interception and a touchdown catch. In a strange mathematical confluence, La Quinta can actually clinch the outright league title this Thursday with a quick turn around game against Xavier Prep.
DESERT EMPIRE LEAGUE STANDINGS
- La Quinta 3-0
- Xavier Prep 2-1
- Palm Desert 1-2
- Palm Springs 1-2
- Rancho Mirage 1-2
- Shadow Hills 1-2
Thursday's game
- La Quinta at Xavier Prep
Friday's games
- Rancho Mirage at Shadow Hills
- Palm Desert at Palm Springs
Desert Valley League
Desert Hot Springs and Yucca Valley make statement: While the Golden Eagles were busy dominating defending DVL champs Coachella Valley 48-0, the Trojans were pulling off one of the more impressive wins of Friday night. Yucca Valley came down the hill and defeated Banning 34-27 for a crucial win in the DVL race. While star Aiden Pope was doing his part with a kickoff return for a touchdown and a pick-six for a score, it was tailback Deagan Storm doing the hard work around the goal-line with three rushing touchdowns.
DESERT VALLEY LEAGUE STANDINGS
- Desert Hot Springs 1-0
- Yucca Valley 1-0
- Banning 0-1
- Coachella Valley 0-1
Friday's games
- Coachella Valley at Yucca Valley
- Banning at Desert Hot Springs
Sun Valley League
Overtime thriller in Thermal: Indio's defense stuffed a Desert Mirage two-point attempt in overtime at the 1-yard line to come away with a dramatic and important 22-20 victory on the road. The Rajahs got a pair of rushing touchdowns from Adam Tremper and a touchdown and the crucial two-point play in overtime from Juan Zaragoza as Indio tries to find its offensive way without injured star Damian Durinzi. It was a crucial win in the positioning for a playoff spot as the top two teams in the four-team league qualify.
Twentynine Palms 46, Cathedral City 24: This game was a tight one for three quarters, but the Wildcats running game eventual wore down the Lions and Twentynine Palms dominated the fourth quarter to get a road win to open Sun Valley League play. The Wildcats got a huge night from Aaron Haney as he rumbled for more than 150 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. Anthony Gabriel also had a great night with a rushing touchdown and a multiple-tackle effort on the defensive end. The Wildcats also had a great night in the return game with several long kick returns to set up short fields for scores.
SUN VALLEY LEAGUE STANDINGS
- Twentynine Palms 1-0
- Indio 1-0
- Desert Mirage 0-1
- Cathedral City 0-1
Friday's games
- Cathedral City at Indio
- Desert Mirage at Twentynine Palms
Desert Christian Academy keeps the streak going
Make it 27 in a row: Those unbeatable Conquerors went on the road and snuffed Maranatha to the tune of a 49-7 victory. Desert Christian Academy won its final nine regular season games in 2024, all 10 regular season games in 2025 and are now 8-0 this year. Add that up and its 27 straight regular season wins. That deserves a "Wow!" On this night the touchdowns were parceled out quite evenly. Preston Martinez ran for two. Eusebio Gallo scored two, Nathdaniel Guerrero had two and Jayvon Garcia had one. Judah Garrison two interceptions and seven tackles on defense.
With the win, the Conquerors clinched at least a share of the Mesquite League title and secured a playoff spot. They can win the title outright next week when the play at Santa Rosa Academy on Friday.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Rancho Mirage, Shadow Hills, Yucca Valley among big winners in Week 9
