The Austin High junior varsity football team evened its record last week with an 8-7 victory at Mankato West last Thursday.

Wednesday, September 15, 1999

The Austin High junior varsity football team evened its record last week with an 8-7 victory at Mankato West last Thursday.

After a defensive struggle most of the first half, Adam Casper and Bryan Larson downed an Austin punt at the one-yard line, setting up a Willie Clennon safety just before halftime to give the Packers a 2-0 lead.

West came back on a 40-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter. With the extra point, the Scarlets led 7-2.

With about three minutes left, Josh Holck scored the game winner from seven yards out off of the right tackle.

Austin gained all of its 167 total yards on the ground with Joe Faas gaining a game-high 81.

Ben Johnson was next for the Packers with 31 yards, followed by 24 by Josh Holck.

Mankato West had 118 total yards. The Scarlets had 68 yards rushing and 50 off of passes.

"The defense played unbelievably well," Austin head coach Paul Besel said. "They kept the offense in the game."

The Packers held West to minus 29 yards rushing in the fourth quarter.

Clennon led the defensive effort with three sacks, two solo tackles, 12 assists and a tipped pass as well as the safety.

Gavin Henningsen also had three sacks to go with one solo tackle, two tipped passes and 12 assists.

Austin lost 12-6 in its opener to Winona. Faas was the leading rusher with 67 yards on 16 carries. Derek Mullenbach led Austin’s defense.

The big play of the game was 37-yard pass from Matt Larson to Bryan Larson on Austin’s opening drive. The touchdown was scored by Ben Johnson.

Austin (1-) will face Faribault Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Wescott Field.