24th Flag Game between LQ, PD headlines rivalry week of local high school football

The high school football season rolls on this week with a handful of rivalry games, but none quite as intriguing as the annual Flag Game between La Quinta and Palm Desert. Despite just a 3-4 overall record for the Blackhawks, both teams come into this game unbeaten in league play at 2-0, while PD is perfect on the season at 7-0 overall. In last year’s 23rd fight for the Flag, the Aztecs won 24-17 at La Quinta in thrilling fashion. This year, Patrick Rivenes will get his first taste of the rivalry as the LQ head coach. The former Blackhawk QB and Palm Desert assistant knows both sides of this rivalry, but will experience it as a head coach for the first time as he faces off against Aztecs head coach Shane McComb. This matchup expects to be another close battle between two bitter rivals, representing their respective cities in the valley. The Blackhawks lead the series over the Aztecs with an all-time record of 15-8. The 24th Flag Game is one of a few rivalry games this week. See the schedule below for more on this week’s slate. GAME SCHEDULE: All games Friday at 7pm unless noted or changed

Desert Empire League

Xavier Prep – 10 at Shadow Hills – 34 (Thursday 10/11) La Quinta – 32 at Palm Desert – 34 *THE FLAG GAME (Game of the Week) Rancho Mirage – 12 at Palm Springs -21 *RAMON ROAD RIVALRY

Desert Valley League

Coachella Valley – 61 at Indio -38 *THE BELL GAME Yucca Valley – 49 at Cathedral City – 15 29 Palms – 48 at Desert Mirage – 8 Banning at DHS Be sure to follow @BlakeArthurKESQ and @CodyWKrupp on Twitter and watch the Best Local Sports Show for all the coverage.