While a recent heat wave has slowed their practice schedule down a little, the Austin Packer football team is ready to open its season at Faribault Friday at 7 p.m.

The Packers have been toning down their practices this week as the temperatures have risen, but Austin head coach Brett Vesel still feels his team will be ready for the Falcons.

“We’re in real good shape and we have our initial lineup set,” Vesel said. “After Friday, we’ll know a lot more.”

The Falcons graduated most of their roster from last year’s team that finished 7-3 overall, but they bring back quarterback Danny Ehlers, who threw for 15 touchdowns last season.

“He’s a good athlete and he’s a good runner,” Vesel said. “We’ll have to defend him and stop their running game. On offense, we’ll have to execute and we’re getting better every day.”

Vesel said he will use Thursday’s practice to get the team refreshed before Friday’s game. He said the squad is confident, but it’s tough to keep energy levels up with temperatures being in the 90s all week.

“They’re not to happy about the heat right now, but I think they feel real good about the team,” Vesel said.

A lot of the Packer football players have been at it since the summer began, but a couple of late arrivals have a chance to make an impact as well this season.

Wide receivers Zach Wessels and Nik Gasner are still getting their timing down with quarterback Ryan Synground, but Vesel likes the progress they’ve shown.

“Zach and Nik are coming along real fast,” Vesel said. “Nik was in the program last year and he’s a smart kid and Zach is catching on fast for a guy who wasn’t here last year.”