HS Football Preview: Austin Packers looking to put last season in the rearview mirror

(ABC 6 Sports) — The Austin Packers will look to turn the page on a season that saw them finish 1-8.

Two of last year’s losses came by one score. Their season-opening loss to Northfield was by one point (20-21). It seems only apropos the Packers will get a rematch Friday in the season opener on the road.

22 seniors will suit up for Austin, including quarterback Jack Lang. He relishes the “redemption season” starting with Northfield and says he has big goals to help the team fare better than they did last season.

“I want to be able to get the ball to my guys because I know their athletes. I just gotta be able to make them shine, let them shine so I just have to be able to put the ball where it needs to be. I just feel like we have to keep guys ready and keep them in the mindset because I know it’s hard going on the road, an hour’s drive after-school, but we have to put that all behind us once game time comes. We just have to be ready.”

Another senior with something to prove is Thomas Fritz. He missed all of last season with an injury.

“When I was on the sideline I was like ‘Wow I really want to play with them so bad like I could’ve made this play. I’m just like ‘they look like they are having so much fun out there.”

The Northfield-Austin game set for September 2 is set to start at 7 pm.