Palm Desert’s Trae Riek (right) stiff-arms a Redlands defender back in 2013 when the Terriers defeated the Aztecs 35-29. Friday, Redlands returns to Palm Desert High School as the Aztecs try to fend off another loss to the Terriers.

STAFF PICKS WEEK 5

NATHAN BROWN, Sports reporter

Overall: 32-13

ANDREW JOHN, Sports reporter

Overall: 30-15

Palm Desert at La Quinta

Palm Desert, 24-23 (Nathan)

Palm Desert, 24-10 (Andrew)

Indio at Xavier Prep

Xavier Prep, 28-14 (Nathan)

Xavier Prep, 23-14 (Andrew)

Cathedral City at Coachella Valley

Nathan Brown.

Coachella Valley, 38-20 (Nathan)

Desert Hot Springs at Desert Mirage

Desert Mirage, 31-13 (Nathan)

Desert Mirage 28-20 (Andrew)

Rancho Mirage at Twentynine Palms

Rancho Mirage, 24-20 (Nathan)

Twentynine Palms, 24-17 (Andrew)

Rock Academy at Desert Chapel

Desert Chapel, 52-45 (Nathan)

Desert Chapel, 56-49 (Andrew)

Desert Christian Academy at Lucerne Valley

Andrew John.

Desert Christian Academy, 42-31 (Nathan)

Desert Christian Academy, 35-27 (Andrew)

Palm Valley at Calvary Baptist (Sat.)

Calvary Baptist, 45-10 (Nathan)

Calvary Baptist, 42-28 (Andrew)

KEEP AN EYE ON:

Palm Desert

This could be the most evenly matched game between these teams in years. The Blackhawks will be able to play more freely than they’ve been used to this season, but the Aztecs boast a running game that’s tough to stop.

Rancho Mirage

The Rattlers will have a huge test on the road against a very good Twentynine Palms team to open league play. This one could have postseason implications.