New what? Breaking down the new athletic leagues starting this season
There’s been a major change to the high school sports landscape as we have been telling you all about. And admittedly, it can be confusing. But here is a detailed description with everything you need to know about the new leagues.
MORE COMPETITIVE FOR ALL
First of all, the two new leagues are in effect this season for ALL high school sports, not just football. The reason for the new leagues was to create a more competitive balance between the local schools.
SAY MY NAME, SAY MY NAME
As far as the names, there is the Desert Empire League (DEL) and the Desert Valley League (DVL) with the De Anza League (DAL) no longer in existence.
The Desert Empire League, thought to be the stronger of the two leagues, features six teams: Palm Desert, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Xavier Prep, Shadow Hills and Rancho Mirage.
The Desert Valley League consists of eight teams but seven of them are local. Those teams are Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs, Desert Mirage and the two high-desert schools – Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. The eighth team is Banning.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES, NEW RIVALRIES
The new leagues should provide a more fun and competitive atmosphere for the players and coaches which should make for a more exciting high school sports season! The new alignment will also create new rivalries which will be fun to watch develop over the years.
Be sure to follow @BlakeArthurKESQ and @CodyWKrupp on Twitter throughout the season for all the local high school sports coverage. 
