It wasn't because of the full moon.

Rather, there was a different reason the Austin High School football team was keyed for Tuesday night's playoff contest against Red Wing.

"After our last game against Albert Lea, our kids wanted one more opportunity to play at Wescott Field," said head coach Steve Knox. "I give a lot of credit to our kids tonight. They wanted to come out and play."

The No. 5 seeded Packers (2-7) took advantage of playing one more time at home by topping No. 4 Red Wing 28-26 in Section One, Class AAAA action.

The game had originally been scheduled at Red Wing. However, a teachers strike that took effect there Tuesday changed those plans.

"We knew before we went to bed last night that we were going to play the game here," Knox said. "We contacted all of the players and let them know, so that (Tuesday) morning they knew we were playing here."

Red Wing principal Larry Sonju, who filled in as one of the team's coaches, said he gives a lot of the credit to the players.

"The seniors and the captains ran this," he said. "Our coaching staff was in the stands. They prepared them. But I just give those kids all the credit in the world."

Sonju, who said the only sport he's ever coached is basketball, said the players had a lot to prepare for.

"They had so much responsibility on their shoulders," he said. "They didn't exactly know what to expect. They just didn't quit."

Down 28-6 at the half, Red Wing (4-5) came back in the second half with an 11-yard quarterback keeper by Ryan Plonsky and then two touchdown receptions by Austin Bailey.

But the Packers recovered the onside kick late in the fourth quarter and held on for the win.

"I was very pleased with our special teams at the end," Knox said. "We were ready for it more than once."

Austin started out the game by capitalizing on its first three possessions, thanks to scores by Chris Stackenwalt, James Dammen and Mike Gravelle.

"We were all fired up," Gravelle said. "It was just a big surprise to find out we were going to play at home."

With the win, Austin now hits the road to play No. 1 seeded Waseca, a team that defeated the Packers last season.

Gravelle hasn't forgotten and said there's one word on his mind.

"Revenge," he said. "There's no way we should have lost that game last year."

"We're excited to play Waseca a second time," Knox said. "Some of those kids have a bad taste in their mouths. We'd like to get rid of that taste."

The Saturday semifinal kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

Summary

Austin2170028

Red Wing0761326

1st Quarter

Austin: Chris Stackenwalt 13-yard pass from Tucker Schieck (Evan Sorenson kick) 9:52

Austin: James Dammen run (kick failed) 7:03

Austin: Mike Gravelle run (Mark Cavanaugh run) 2:05

2nd Quarter

Red Wing: Andy Schilling 7-yard run (Cole Isetts kick) 7:33

Austin: Cavanaugh 1-yard run (Sorenson kick) 1:09

3rd Quarter

Red Wing: Ryan Plonsky 11-yard run (kick failed) 5:51

4th Quarter

Red Wing: Austin Bailey 4-yard pass from Plonsky (run failed) 6:29

Red Wing: Bailey 4-yard pass from Plonsky (Isetts kick) 1:12