Coach James "Doc" Dockery of Xavier Prep joins Desert Valley Blitz to break down his team's impressive 4-1 start and analyze Week 5's most thrilling matchups across the Coachella Valley.
Despite Xavier's winning record, Dockery reveals the high standards driving his program: "It feels like 1-4 in our locker room because our standards are high." He highlights his junior quarterback's growing leadership and the Taylor twins' defensive dominance, with each accumulating approximately six sacks already this season.
The week's most dramatic contest saw Shadow Hills fall 52-51 in double overtime to Patriot after losing their kicker to injury, while Palm Desert's offense exploded with quarterback AJ Rivera throwing five touchdown passes in a 50-35 victory over Redlands. Meanwhile, Desert Hot Springs engineered a last-minute comeback against Big Bear, with quarterback Jalen Turner orchestrating a game-winning drive with just 1:30 remaining.
Palm Springs remained undefeated with a statement 22-14 win over Yucaipa, a team that has traditionally given desert schools trouble. Freshman Tank Smith made significant contributions, highlighting the impressive young talent emerging across multiple valley programs.
With many DEL teams on bye in Week 6, attention turns to Desert Hot Springs visiting Yucca Valley in what Coach Dockery calls "a coin flip" matchup, while undefeated La Quinta faces perhaps their toughest test traveling to El Centro against unbeaten Central.
As league play approaches in just two weeks, the Desert Valley football landscape is taking shape with established powers maintaining their standards and several programs positioning themselves as serious contenders for league championships.

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