Inside the Win: Rancho Mirage’s defense seals shutout win over Shadow Hills

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Rancho Mirage Rattlers are making their third appearance on Inside the Win after defeating Shadow Hills 20-0 on Friday.

While the Rattlers had a great regular season, Desert Empire League play has been a different story. They came into the matchup against the Knights 1-2 in league play, looking to gain a win and advance to a three-way tie for second place in the DEL.

Rancho Mirage did just that after a defensive game, where they held Shadow Hills out of the end zone. It was a necessary performance, as their offense couldn't get past the Knight's defense either. This game remained scoreless until the fourth quarter.

"You got to give Shadow Hills credit," Rancho Mirage head coach L.D. Matthews said. "I mean, they were coming up and they were playing football. They were hitting us and we weren't responding. And thank goodness the last couple drives, we finally figured it out...We found a way to get it done in the fourth quarter, and it started with our defense."

The Rattlers defense finished with nine sacks and three fumble recoveries. Sophomore linebacker Sebastian Padilla highlighted the defensive play with a scoop-and-score off a Shadow Hills quarterback fumble.

With the defense working overtime and an offensive line that found new strength in the fourth quarter, the Rattlers found a way to win their second league game.

"It was neck-and-neck in that game the first half," Senior quarterback Cael Woody said. "Both offenses were struggling a little bit, but our defense came out strong...I can't say anything but thank the o-line. They really stood up in the third and fourth quarter and allowed us to score some points."

Rancho Mirage will face Palm Springs at home to close out the regular season schedule on Friday.

"We need one more, and we have a shot to get in those playoffs," Matthews said. "So, we gotta humble ourselves. Look at what we didn't do right in the first half and really try to be better for our last senior night against Palm Springs."

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of high school football.