West Fargo High Hires Eric Peterson as New Varsity Football Coach

Peterson, a Fargo Davies graduate, brings defensive expertise and a track record of success to the Packers program.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a high school football game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of navy blue, forest green, and gold, conveying the strategic complexity and dynamic energy of the sport.The geometric, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic complexity and dynamic energy of high school football, reflecting the new coach's emphasis on disciplined, physical play.Aberdeen Today

West Fargo High School has announced the hiring of Eric Peterson as the new head coach of the varsity football program. Peterson, a Fargo Davies alumnus, has spent the past eight seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, including the last four years as the defensive coordinator. He helped lead the Eagles to the program's second state championship in 2025 with a defense that allowed only 18.5 points per game.

Why it matters

The West Fargo Packers football program is looking to build on its recent success and continue developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Peterson's experience coordinating a successful defense and his ability to connect with players made him an attractive candidate to lead the program into the future.

The details

Activities Director Justin Behm praised Peterson's deep knowledge of the game, strong leadership qualities, and genuine commitment to developing student-athletes. Peterson played collegiately at Northern State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and later earned a Master's degree from Winona State. He is currently a social studies teacher at Fargo Davies High School.

  • Peterson has spent the past eight seasons as an assistant coach at Fargo Davies High School.
  • For the past four seasons, Peterson has served as the defensive coordinator at Fargo Davies.
  • In the 2025 season, Peterson's defense helped lead the Fargo Davies Eagles to the program's second state championship.

The players

Eric Peterson

The new head varsity football coach at West Fargo High School. Peterson is a Fargo Davies graduate who has spent the past eight seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, including the last four years as the defensive coordinator.

Justin Behm

The Activities Director at West Fargo High School, who announced the hiring of Eric Peterson as the program's new varsity football head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Peterson brings a deep knowledge of the game, strong leadership qualities, and a genuine commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.”

— Justin Behm, Activities Director, West Fargo High School

What’s next

Peterson will begin his tenure as the new head varsity football coach at West Fargo High School immediately, leading the program into the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Eric Peterson as the new head varsity football coach at West Fargo High School represents a commitment to building a successful program that develops student-athletes both on and off the field. Peterson's defensive expertise and track record of success at the high school level make him an ideal candidate to lead the Packers program into the future.