Imagine having your season delayed because of a bird … that’s exactly what’s going on in Minnesota. Apply Valley High School was put in a position where they had to cancel Friday night football games because of Ospreys nesting. With the birds having federal law protecting them, the school is unable to have the stadium lights on. The school hopes to have everything sorted out over the next few weeks, which will allow them to get back to ‘Friday Night Lights’ action. Due to the Ospreys, Apple Valley has been forced to reschedule two of their home high school football contests, while soccer games have been relocated to another field. Depending on the progression of the birds, particularly with their growth, the postponement of football season could potentially extend. (RELATED: Bison Nearly Thrashes Yellowstone Idiot After Charging At Him) Based in Apple Valley, Minnesota as a Blue Ribbon institution, Apple Valley High School is 20 miles from Minneapolis. Having nearly 2,000 9-12 students, the high school is ranked in the top 140 for best high schools in the nation. Competing in the Minnesota State High School League, the Eagles are in the South Suburban Conference. Out of all the high schools in the Gopher State, Apple Valley has the second most state championships since they opened in 1976. Also called sea hawks, fish hawks and river hawks, Ospreys are a bird of prey that eat fish. And to make it crazier, they’re related to raptors. Yes, the dinosaur. They’re known to build nests from high and clear views, usually meaning dead trees when you’re talking about the wild. In a suburban place such as Apple Valley, it could be cellphone towers, utility poles … or stadium lights. Federally protected birds force Minnesota high school football team to rearrange schedule https://t.co/h4jDpQuWW8 pic.twitter.com/B528QixdGh — New York Post (@nypost) August 24, 2025 I’m a huge football fan and big nature enthusiast … we’re just gonna have to let the Ospreys roll on this one.