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Austin’s Eli Arndt drops back to pass in the first half against Winona at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

A trio of Packers combine for the tackle against Winona Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Sam Winkels looks for running room on a carry against Winona in the first half this season at Art Hass Stadium. Herald file photos

Austin’s Elton Timothy Baluyot pulls down the ball carrier during the first half Thursday night in Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Isaac Anderson carries on a run in the first half against Winona Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Austin’s Ronnie Finch carries on a kick-off Thursday night against Winona. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

The Austin football team was extremely short on players as it had trouble keeping up with Winona in a 43-6 loss in its final home game of the season in Art Hass Stadium Thursday.

The Packers had 11 starters and five back-ups out of the lineup and it had to shuffle the lineup. The team had just five linemen available and freshman quarterback Eli Arndt made his first start.

“I’m very proud of these guys going through adversity. They keep fighting,” Austin head coach Ed Schmitt said. “It’s challenging. We had only five linemen and we had to move Parker Anderson from H-back and tight end to tackle for us. Most tight ends don’t want to play tackle and it was good to see him do that.”

Winona (2-5 overall) kept the ball on the ground as it didn’t complete a pass in the game. The Winhawks took a 43-0 lead into halftime and Austin got on the scoreboard when Arndt hit junior Jamal Faux for a 22-yard TD pass in the third quarter.

“Our goal was to win the second half and we won the second half. I’m proud of them for that,” Schmitt said.

Austin (0-7 overall) will close out its regular season at Mankato East at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“We’ll try to heal up the best we can,” Schmitt said. “East is a very, very good squad and they’re at the top of their section. We’ll keep battling and keep fighting for it. We’ve got to take the challenge head on.”

SCORING SUMMARY

Winona 22  21  0  0  –  43

Austin 0     0   6  0  –  6

First quarter

(W) Deion Prolo 5 run (Prolo run) (11 plays, 80 yards) 6:48

(W) Prolo 12 run (Krayton Bergstrom kick) (7 plays, 65 yards) 1:04

(W) Jaden Blanck 27 run (Bergstrom kick) (1 play, 27 yards) :33

Second quarter

(W) Jalin Pierre 4 run (Bergstrom kick) (3 plays, 32 yards) 10:49

(W) Dayneiri Kimani 2 run (Bergstrom kick) (12 plays, 52 yards) 1:33

(W) Brady Wardwell 26 interception return (Bergstrom kick) (1 play, 26 yards) :34

Third quarter

(A) Jamal Faux 22 pass from Eli Arndt (run failed) (8 plays, 73 yards) 7:18

Fourth quarter

No scoring

AUSTIN STATS

Rushing: Gage Kiley, 6-for-7; Eli Arndt, 2-for-0; Sam Winkels, 6-for-(-4)

Passing: Eli Arndt, 7-for-23, 112, TD, 3 INT

Receiving: Jamal Faux, 3-for-72, TD; Parker Anderson, 2-for-26; Mady Kwot, 1-for-8; Isaac Anderson, 1-for-6

Defense: Will Fox, 1 fumble recovery; Rob Lillis, 2 sacks