FARIBAULT – The surging running game of the Austin Packers ran into a brick wall Friday in Faribault.

Sunday, September 19, 1999

FARIBAULT – The surging running game of the Austin Packers ran into a brick wall Friday in Faribault. After carrying the Packers to a win at Winona and performing brilliantly in a loss at home to Mankato West, the ground attack was limited to a season low 96 yards on 40 carries in a 35-16 loss to the Falcons.

Austin started strong, scoring on it opening drive. Brian E. Heimer went in from six yards out for his fourth touchdown of the year.

Heimer, who had rushed for over 100 yards in the Packers previous two games, was held to 44 yards on 11 carries. He also caught two passes for 16 yards.

Mike Cunningham was Austin’s next best rusher, gaining 38 yards on seven carries. He also completed a pass for 14 yards.

Faribault (2-1) did what the Packers weren’t able to: Run the ball. Of the 294 total yards the Falcons amassed, only five were from passing.

Senior Mike Wilfahrt led the Falcons with 146 yards and two TDs in the first half. Shawn Thielbar, who ran 41 yards for a touchdown with just under a minute remaining in the game, had 62 yards, and Tom Hampton, who also had a 40-plus yard TD run, finished with 75 yards rushing.

Austin quarterback Tanner Schieck was 9 for 19 with 141 yards, but was hurt four interceptions.

Schieck was also without one of his top targets in the second half. Junior Dan Smith suffered an injury to his lower part of his leg, ending his best game of the season. He had three catches for 70 yards.

Smith’s older brother Matt also had a solid day in the receiving corps. The senior tight end caught three passes for 56 yards, including a two point conversion in the fourth quarter following a one-yard sneak by Schieck.

Austin ran more offensive plays than Faribault, amassing 15 first downs, but was penalized eight times for 71 yards.

Austin (1-2) will host Owatonna at Wescott Field this Friday.