Apple Valley's motto is, One week, one game at a time. That's especially heartfelt for senior wide receiver Steven Wilson. After playing varsity as a sophomore, Wilson trained hard in the offseason with high hopes heading into his junior season.

High hopes disappeared into the night sky at Hopkins High School Stadium, when the speedy playmaker caught a pass before landing on, and snapping, his collarbone.

It was the first game of the season. It would also be his last.

"It kind of opened my eyes," said Wilson, who's made a full recovery since the injury. "It made me realize I can't take this for granted. That's what my thinking is this year. I can't take this for granted. It can all be taken away from me just like that."

As a captain this year, he hopes his attitude will rub off on his teammates.

"I definitely tell them to cherish what we have going and really see the big picture of the whole thing," Wilson said.

It is a new season for Wilson and the Eagles, who finished 1-6 last year but have two victories and a new postseason road map buoying their hopes.

With victories over Rosemount and Bloomington Jefferson, the Eagles hope to put together their first winning season since 2006. Moreover, a new class system has put the state's 32 largest schools in Class 5A last year into a new Class 6A. Apple Valley, with enrollment of 1,638, remains in 5A.

"We're just trying to play this season one week at a time," coach Mike Fritze said. "But who we play at the end of the season has changed quite a bit. We'll be playing teams that are our own size attendance-wise. I think they're looking forward to doing that."

The Eagles have some statewide recognition to show for their efforts thus far. Last week the Associated Press ranked Apple Valley at No. 6 in Class 5A, somewhat unfamiliar territory for the South Suburban school.

"Everyone's really excited. There's a buzz going around the school," Wilson said.

Wilson and Dustin Fronk make up a dual offensive threat at the wide receiver position. Wilson is effective on deep routes. Fronk complements him as more of a possession receiver during third-down situations and shorter passes for crucial conversion yardage.

The Eagles have played their best football on defense. The team was plus-6 in the turnover ratio -- an area that they've emphasized during practice -- in the first two weeks of the season.

The defense features cornerback Harry Sonie, outside linebacker James Horton and inside linebacker Dom McDew-Stauffer, all seniors and three-year starters.

On offense, the passing game has been good overall behind junior quarterback Tommy Singer.

While there is optimism and a different playoff outlook in Apple Valley, the team remains in the heavyweight South Suburban Conference. The Eagles hope that competition benefits them in the long run.

"We don't want to think about a game that's three weeks from now. We don't care about that," Wilson said. "We're focused on the next game ahead of us. That's the way I think we'll keep winning games -- if we just keep looking forward one game at a time."