Bold predictions for the Sun Valley League: MVPs, standings and more

Our predictions for the Sun Valley League might surprise some people. But that's probably only because it's the league that probably gets the least attention in the valley and that makes the league a bit

of an unknown to many.

There's some great talent in this league and the games should make fans want to arrive early to get their popcorn. That's how we're feeling about what could be a really competitive league race.

But enough about that, for now. Let's get to some predictions.

How are we feeling about the SVL this season? Sports reporter Andrew John and sports editor Shad Powers have some thoughts, so let's dive right in.

The Indio Rajahs practice for the upcoming football season at Indio High School in Indio, Calif., Aug 12, 2026.

These are our picks for the SVL this season:

Andrew's picks

Offensive player of the year: Trace Vargas, Cathedral City. The senior running back ran for nearly 1,000 yards last season, and he'll be the featured back again this year. I think that if the Lions are a playoff team, he'll win this award. My prediction for Vargas is that he should rush for more than 1,500 yards and a dozen touchdowns this season.

Defensive player of the year: Damian Durinzi, Indio. While Durinzi could be a scary offensive weapon, with his elite speed, I actually like Durinzi's chances to be named the league's best defensive player even better. Durinzi has great ball skills and he'll play in the defensive backfield. With some mentoring from new head coach and former NFL cornerback James Dockery, I can see Durinzi intercepting close to 10 passes this season.

Bold prediction: Cathedral City will secure the league's final automatic postseason berth by beating Desert Mirage in the final game of the season. I'm predicting that it'll all come down to the final regular season game and that the Lions will beat the Rams.

Order of finish:

Indio (3-0)
Cathedral City (2-1)
Desert Mirage (1-2)
Twentynine Palms (0-3)

Shad's picks

Offensive player of the year: Josh Reynoso, Twentynine Palms — Vargas is an excellent choice, but I'll go with a player many might not have heard much about yet and that's Twentynine Palms quarterback Josh Reynoso. Reynoso really turned the Wildcats offense around late last year as a sophomore and he's back and bigger and stronger. I think with a whole season of work, will prove to be the best QB in the league. Does he have enough help in the skill positions and line to lead the team to enough victories to warrant the award is the only question.

Defensive player of the year: Michael Loustanau, Cathedral City — This hybrid defensive end/linebacker showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman in 2024, but then did not play football in 2025. Now back as a junior, expect him to be a major disrupter in the Sun Valley League. He's big, fast and a sure-handed tackler. Looking forward to see what he can do this season.

Bold prediction: Desert Mirage not only makes the playoffs, but wins the league outright. I think the Rams may have enough defense to go with their usual ground game and by the team week nine rolls around and the three league games begin, they feel like the team that might have the fewest question marks. The Rams win their first league title since ... I don't know when, if ever.

Order of finish: