WINONA – Somebody say something about a small and inexperienced Austin Packers football team?.

Sunday, September 05, 1999

WINONA – Somebody say something about a small and inexperienced Austin Packers football team?

If they did, they weren’t talking about this year’s team.

Austin answered its doubters by outmuscling the Winhawks on both sides of the ball in a good ol’ fashioned Big Nine battle in the trenches.

"The lines definitely won the line of scrimmage," Austin head coach Steve Knox said after the Packers’ convincing 34-18 victory at Paul Giel Field Friday night. "We took what they gave us."

The Packers rolled up 350 yards rushing with three different players gaining over 70 yards and pressured the Winhawks on defense, forcing four turnovers.

"We were more concerned with defense because we had seven juniors playing," Knox said.

The Packers gave a quick lesson to new Winona head coach Steve Willman, who was making his Big Nine debut after spending the past six season at Badger-Greenbush-Middle River.

The lesson: Big Nine teams run the ball.

Brian Heimer rushed 17 times for 132 yards and pair of touchdowns to lead the Packers.

Mike Cunningham had 88 yards on 10 carries and Jamie Zavala had 73 yards on eight.

Zavala had the Packers’ longest run of the game. The junior broke left on a counter for a 30-yard touchdown and the Packers’ first score. He also had the game’s only interception.

Austin’s other TDs came from a two-yard sneak by quarterback Tanner Schieck and a 30-yard completion to Preston Horton.

Schieck was 4-of-7 for 35 yards.

The Packers’ defense, which held Winona to 86 yards rushing was led by senior Kevin Maus, who was in on 10 tackles and had two sacks.

Chad Mentel had two fumble recoveries for Austin, which led 20-6 at halftime.

"Kevin Maus played a heck of a game," Austin assistant coach Randy Smith said. "All of the kids on the defensive line played well. Everybody kept their composure well."

The Packers (1-0) will host Mankato West, who lost 17-14 to John Marshall Friday night.

Austin 6 14 8 6 – 34

Winona 6 0 0 0 – 18