Congratulations to the Austin Packers football team.

It wasn’t always pretty, but the Packers football team has its first win of the season, besting Winona 27-21 to sour the Winhawk’s homecoming.

For much of the game, the Packers looked to be on their way to a resounding win, jumping out to a 27-0 lead. But the Winhawks battled back, scoring 21 unanswered points to pressure the Packers.

Thanks to a few defensive stands and an unconventional and risky — but ultimately effective — scramble by Austin quarterback Ryan Synoground to run out the clock, the Packers held off Winona’s comeback.

We hope the Packers can use this win as something to build on for the rest of the season. It won’t always be easy but Friday night Austin showed its fight when they had their backs up against the wall.

The Packers will have their work cut out for them next week when the boys face off against 4-0 Owatonna, but Austin is going into homecoming week on a high note.

Read the full story on Austin’s 27-21 win on Page 10A.