sunthisweek. com Fall Football Preview, August 28, 2026 Page 3 Football Prep Preview 2026
Friday night lights return
Teams look to rise in standings, postseason
Welcome to Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune’ s Football Prep Preview 2026.
Inside readers will find coverage of each of the teams in public school districts for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage, Farmington, Lakeville, and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan.
That’ s eight teams in all that are covered by our sports reporter Mike Shaughnessy.
Readers can find out about season expectations for each squad.
Mike has done a great job finding the storyline for each team, which says a lot about the players’ leadership, dedication and joy for a sport they love to play.
That also goes for their coaches who spend a great amount of their time and effort on not only physical development of their players, but also emotional and leadership skills.
There’ s also a great sense of community pride that comes in supporting extracurricular endeavors of our young people.
That comes through clearly when Friday night lights appear at local football stadiums around the south metro.
We hope readers enjoy the section along with all of our other previews for area teams this fall, which will run on the Sports pages in the coming weeks.
And we also hope you take time to support these young athletes by attending a game or performance at one of our local high schools.
Enjoy! – Tad Johnson, managing editor
Photo by Mike Shaughnessy
Noah Weaver takes a snap during an Apple Valley practice Aug. 19. The Eagles are looking to improve on last season’ s 4-6 record.
Photo by Mike Shaughnessy
Lakeville North running back Zion Davis( 1) looks for a lane to cut back during the Panthers’ practice Aug. 20.
Photo by Mike Shaughnessy
Linemen refine their skills during a Farmington football practice Aug. 19. The Tigers were 4-5 last season but are looking for a winning record in 2026.