The Packers football team will have to get physical this weekend to keep up with the visiting Owatonna Huskies, who come to Art Hass Stadium Friday at 7 p.m.

The Huskies (3-1 overall, 3-0 Big Nine) lost their opener to Hopkins, but beat John Marshall, Mankato East, and Century by at least 30 points each. Owatonna, which is a 5A team, will likely keep it on the ground and play smash mouth football.

“It has been difficult for the 4A teams, who can’t match them, physically man for man,” Austin head coach Tim Hermann said. “To slow them down we have some adjustments on both sides of the ball that we will need to work into the game plan.”

Hermann said his team has been working hard all week, just like they have all season and he expects another strong effort from his Packers (1-3 overall, 0-3 Big Nine) who have been close in all their games this year.

“We are looking forward to playing at home and giving an effort that is our best, regardless of the scoreboard,” he said. “This is a hard working and talented group whose best is yet to come.”

Friday’s game is also the Third Annual Harvest Bowl.

All spectators that bring two non-perishable food items will be be admitted free to the game.

All food items will be donated to the Salvation Army (Austin Branch) to replenish their food shelves.