After allowing at least 35 points for two straight weeks, the Packers are hoping they finally get their defense on track this week when they host Faribault in a football game this Friday at 7 p.m. in Art Hass Stadium.

Austin (0-2 overall, 0-1 Big Nine) has its work cut out for it as the Falcons (2-0 overall, 1-0 Big Nine) are coming off a 40-9 win over Mankato East where they tallied 254 rushing yards.

“They the throw the ball pretty good too, but they want to run the ball,” Austin head coach Brett Vesel said. “They run a lot of option and misdirection. Hopefully we can shore up that defense. A lot of it’s just being aggressive and tough. We got pushed around at times against Mankato West.”

The Packers have some reasons to feel good about their upcoming matchup against Faribault as Austin scrimmaged Mankato East before the season.

“We also scrimmaged East and did pretty well against them,” Vesel said. “It’ll be interesting to see the matchup.”

The Packer offense showed good signs last week as it scored two straight touchdowns against Mankato West’s first stringers. But Austin also had five turnovers in the loss.

“It’s hard to say (how we’ll match up with their defense),” Vesel said. “They’ve got a couple of good guys who are pretty physical and aggressive.”

One advantage the Packers will definitely have is that of playing under the lights in their home stadium.

“We all love to play at home. You get a lot of support and that helps,” Vesel said.