Daily Herald editorial

Friday night’s Austin Packers football loss at Art Hass Stadium was truly a heart-breaker. It was also a sign that the Packers football program may be reviving after a long, frustrating run of losses.

Down 9-0 at halftime against Mankato East, the Packers fought their way back into the lead and were a single play from recording a win. That is undeniable progress for the Packers, not only because they came close but because they truly overcame adversity to get into a position where they could have won. “That’s a lot of heart,” Packers coach Matt Schmit said afterwards.

Best of all, it’s the kind of effort on which the program can build. Austin is not going to get many easy chances in the Big Nine conference. But Packers players and coaches showed they do have what it takes to win, and it’s now only a matter of time. The players and coaches are to be commended.