New leadership, familiar expectations for Packers
The West Fargo Packers enter the 2026 season under a new head coach for the first time in 35 years, as Eric Peterson succeeds Jay Gibson. The change marks a significant transition for one of the region's most storied programs, which has compiled multiple state championships and a deep tradition of high school football success.
Peterson arrives in West Fargo after serving as an assistant on a recent state title team at Davies High School. He said his approach combines respect for the program's history with fresh energy and emphasis on mindset.
"Coach Gibson, I mean, he's a legend in the state. He's a tough guy to follow up, but you know it's a school with a ton of football tradition,"
Peterson told WDAY that he wants to transfer the championship experience he gained as an assistant into a culture of belief at West Fargo. "Part of winning is believing that you're going to win," he said, outlining a focus on confidence and team identity as the Packers prepare for the regular season.
Returning leaders and new roles
While West Fargo loses a portion of last season's production to graduation, several returning players are expected to step into larger roles. Senior quarterback Ryan Camrillo returns under center and will be counted on to provide leadership on and off the field. Camrillo said his experience will help guide younger receivers and position players during the transition.
Senior skill players such as Joaquin Valdez and Griffin McAlister described increased responsibility heading into Peterson's first season. Valdez said the roster must "take that next step" to become difference-makers, while McAlister called the situation "really exciting" and emphasized the importance of embracing new roles.
- Coach: Eric Peterson (first season)
- Notable returning player: QB Ryan Camrillo (senior)
- Season opener: Aug. 28 at Bismarck High
Coaching philosophy: confident, joyful intent
Peterson emphasized not only X's and O's but also the emotional tenor of the program. He has promoted the phrase "joyful intent" as a guiding principle, asking players to relish the opportunity to play and to bring energy and positivity to practice and games.
That balance — maintaining competitive standards while encouraging enjoyment — may be particularly important in the early weeks as underclassmen and new starters adjust to heightened expectations. The coaching staff will need to integrate returning veterans with younger contributors and manage an opportunity window created by the departure of experienced seniors from last season.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program history | Multiple state titles; long-standing tradition under Jay Gibson |
| Head coach | Eric Peterson (first season) |
| Season opener | Aug. 28 at Bismarck High |
For Fargo-area fans accustomed to Gibson's tenure, Peterson's arrival signals both continuity and change. His staff experience on a championship team offers credibility, but translating that to West Fargo will require buy-in from players, parents and the community.
As the Packers prepare for their Aug. 28 trip to Bismarck High, local observers will be watching how quickly new schemes settle in, how leadership from seniors like Camrillo manifests on game day, and whether Peterson's emphasis on confidence and enjoyment can sustain a program with high expectations. The first few games will reveal whether the team can preserve its tradition of competitiveness while adopting a new identity under its new head coach.
Coverage of West Fargo's fall camp continues locally; fans can expect updates as preseason games and the regular season approach.
