Inside the Win: Powerful defense propels Rancho Mirage to 19-7 win over Yucca Valley

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The first week of high school football is in the books, and it's time for the first edition of Inside the Win with Kendall Flynn.

Friday night play was headlined by Rancho Mirage on the road against Yucca Valley. A matchup of two teams going through rebuild years.

The Trojans have been moving playing around to find their best-fit position groups, and have been strengthening top players like Aiden Pope and Ian Jarrett.

The Rattlers, on the other hand, have a young roster this year. They have just 10 seniors in a program of over 100 kids. But, that lack on in-game experience did not show on the field against the Trojans.

"We only have ten seniors in our program and those guys led [Friday night]," Rattlers head coach L.D. Matthews said. "But, we have a lot of sophomores and juniors that got their first varsity start, and they played big tonight."

Rancho Mirage dominated the game on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Cael Woody had three touchdown passes, with two of those landing in the hands of star sophomore Jadarius Hester.

The Rattlers defense, however, was the key to their success. They forced four turnovers against the Trojans, putting their offense in scoring position. Rancho Mirage managed to hold Yucca Valley from earning points on the board until the third quarter, and still kept them to just one touchdown.

"Defense played hats off," Matthews said. "They're tenacious group. They beat up on our offense some days in practice. So it's back and forth. But guys just stepped up and they played hard. And you know anytime early on first game, you get on the road, and you you get a win, you're blessed."

Inside the Win airs every Saturday throughout the high school football season. Stay with News Channel 3 for more on air and online.