The Packer football team is hoping for a happy Homecoming when it hosts Red Wing 7 p.m. Friday.

The Packers (0-6 overall) will be hosting a Wingers team team that trailed 14-12 at the half before losing 44-12 to top ranked Mankato West last week. The Packers are coming off a 42-27 loss to Mankato East.

Besides the fact that they each played the Scarlets, Austin and Red Wing (4-2 overall) have one played one other similar opponent this season in Winona. The Winhawks beat Austin 28-19 in week two and they topped Red Wing 44-20 in week four.

“We have to go out and execute to win the game,” Austin head coach Brett Vesel said. “We felt good last week too, but we’re trying to fill in spots that are tough to learn. I think we’re already better with an extra week of practice with basically the same guys in.”

Austin is battling some injuries this week to multiple starters and Vesel said that it’ll be up to some other players to step in and provide a lift.

“We’ve got a few more guys that have got to step up and play,” he said. “They’re going to have to execute, play hard and help us get better.”

The Packers have been energetic with the Homecoming game on the schedule. Vesel said the team is ready to go, but it will have to play solid defense to keep up with the Wingers — who feature a pair of big play receivers and a strong running back.

“They’ve got a really nice running back who’s quicker than heck and he runs hard,” Vesel said. “Defensively we’ll have to shut down that kid and their wide receivers.”