Desert Christian High School football coach Justin Tidwell had a hunch his team would be in this position.

The Conquerors will take on Desert Chapel for the Victory League title in one of two rivalry games Friday one week before the Desert Valley League's traditional rivals face off.

“It's one of those games where both of us have it circled on our calendars. I figured it was going to end up a lot like this,” Tidwell said. “I'm actually glad it did. I was rooting for these guys to go undefeated (in league) just to make this game all the more special.”

The scenario is the same as last year when both teams were undefeated in league entering the final game of the regular season. Desert Chapel won the Desert Storm Bowl 62-25 on its way to an undefeated 12-0 season and a CIF Division II eight-man championship.

“They were just the better team,” Tidwell said.

But the teams appear to be more even this season with the graduation of several key players on the Eagles, including Corey Smith, the Division II player of the year in 2008.

Desert Chapel (5-3, 3-0) has some key returners from the championship team, including quarterback Keaton Hernandez, running back A.J. McKay and lineman Austin Marshall.

Desert Christian (6-1, 3-0) will counter with its key offensive players, including quarterback Chris Dougherty and receivers Josh Curci and Justin Young.

While eight-man supremacy is on the line at Desert Christian, Desert Hot Springs (2-6, 0-2) and Desert Mirage (3-5, 0-2) are fighting for position in the De Anza League.

The schools at opposite ends of the valley are playing for the fifth time. The rivalry took its first turn last year as the Rams defeated Desert Hot Springs 40-14 to pick up their first league victory.

Taking advantage of their bye week on Friday, the Golden Eagles traveled to Thermal and watched Desert Mirage take on Big Bear. Coach L.D. Matthews knows it will be challenging to stop the Rams' double-wing attack led by quarterback Jose Navarro and running back Ivan Ruiz.

“Desert Mirage is hungry,” Matthews said. “It's no longer that they're intimidated by anybody. They can compete with anybody in the De Anza League.”

PICKING A DVL FAVORITE: Indio is the only team to play all three contenders in the DVL — Palm Springs (5-2, 2-1), Palm Desert (7-1, 3-0) and La Quinta (5-3, 3-0).

Coach James Gordon said he believes the title will come down to the game next week between Palm Desert and La Quinta, but he doesn't know which team to favor. He made a case for both.

“Palm Desert is pretty solid defensively,” Gordon said. “They run the ball well. They're big up front, and their linebackers are just ridiculous.”

But Gordon cited La Quinta's recent success. Coach Dan Armstrong has won eight of the last 10 meetings.

“For whatever reason, he gets it done when he plays against Palm Desert,” he said. “I don't know. That's a tough one.”

MPV PLAYING AT HOME DEPOT CENTER: Marywood-Palm Valley is playing Friday at a facility more renowned for soccer — the Home Depot Center.

The Firebirds were originally scheduled to play at Pacific Lutheran on Saturday, but coach Vince Downey asked for the game to be rescheduled since some of his players are taking the SAT on Saturday.

Pacific Lutheran obliged and booked one of the practice fields at the facility in Carson for the game.

RANKINGS RELEASED: Two DVL teams are ranked in the latest CIF Eastern Division poll.

Palm Desert is No. 3, and La Quinta is No. 9. Palm Springs received some votes.