The Packer football team has one more goal before it begins its postseason schedule next Tuesday and it’s a pretty simple one.

Austin is hoping to beat Albert Lea for the first time in five years as the two teams will square off in AL Wednesday at 7 p.m.

To do that, the Packers (2-5 overall, 2-4 Big Nine) will have to win the battles up front with the rival Tigers (1-6 overall, 1-5 Big Nine).

“It comes down to the offensive line and defensive line,” Austin head coach Brett Vesel said. “Whoever plays better, that’s gonna be the team that excels. Our line knows that and they need to come to play.”

The Tigers’ offense is the fifth best in the Big Nine as they average 22.3 points per game, but their defense is the worst in the conference as they allow 42.9 points per game. Austin has the ninth best offense in the conference at 15.1 points per game and the eighth best defense at 32 points per game.

“They’ve got some good athletes at their skill position and they can score,” Vesel said. “We’ve got try and shut them down as much as we can. Hopefully our defense will play like it did in the first quarter against Owatonna and our offense can pick it up.”

The Packers will get a boost on the injury front as linebackers Elijah Dahmen and Gabe Gerstner will return to the field after sitting for most of the past two weeks.

“That’s two good players and we’re pretty healthy right now,” Vesel said. “The kids realize this is probably their biggest rival and both teams want to play each other pretty bad.”