The Austin football team had trouble on both sides of the ball as it lost its home opener to Mankato West 57-14 in Art Hass Stadium Friday.

The Scarlets (2-0 overall, 2-0 Big Nine) racked up 524 yards of offense and they held the Packers (0-2 overall, 0-2 Big Nine) scoreless until the last minute of the game.

“They’re a good football team and they executed well,” Austin head coach Brett Vesel said. “I don’t think we played better (than last week).”

The Packer defense made some big plays early in the game as they stopped the Scarlets on a fourth and four from the Austin 7-yard line and they forced a three-and-out on West’s fourth possession of the game.

The Scarlets took a 22-0 lead early in the second quarter after Connor Watts hauled in a 64-yard pass on third and 17 to set up a two-yard TD run by Ryan Schlichte, who threw for 328 yards and four scores.

The Packers defense made a big play in the second half when Gabe Gerstner sacked Schlichte and forced a fumble that was recovered by Steven Clennon, but the Austin offense couldn’t capitalize.

“Defensively we had some big plays and we played a little better,” Austin head coach Brett Vesel said. “Offensively we didn’t play better and when you take Zach (Wessels) out of the game, that changes things.”

Wessels missed the game due to a family commitment and Austin’s passing game struggled. Ryan Synoground went 7-for-25 with 96 yards and an interception.

The Scarlets jammed up the Packer receivers and it slowed down Austin’s attack.

“We practice with it every day,” Vesel said. “We need to get more physical. We’ve done a tremendous job in the weight room, but we’re still not where we can be, but we’re getting closer.”

Conner ran for 100 yards and two scores for Austin and Bret Lukes had six catches for 86 yards.

SCORING SUMMARY

West 15 21 21 0 — 57

Austin 0 0 0 14 — 14

First quarter

(MW) Cory Johnson14 run (Athey run) (2 plays, 31 yards) 10:17

(MW) Athey 9 pass from Schlichte (Ospal kick) (6 plays, 29 yards) 7:19

Second quarter

(MW) Schlichte 2 run (Ospal kick) (7 plays, 56 yards) 11:26

(MW) Will Claussen 91 pass from Schlichte (Ospal kick) (1 plays, 91 yards) 8:12

(MW) Johnson 4 run (Ospal kick) (2 plays, 12 yards) 1:23

Third quarter

(MW) Claussen 26 pass from Schlichte (Ospal kick) (6 plays, 71 yards) 9:33

(MW) Jones 46 run (Ospal kick) (1 play, 46 yards) 7:56

(MW) Kevin Marzolf 28 pass from Schlichte (Ospal kick) 4:33

Fourth quarter

(A) Nate Conner 2 run (run failed) (5 plays, 73 yards) :33

(A) Conner 15 run (Gasner from Conner) (3 plays, 45 yards) :04

AUSTIN STATS

Rushing: Nate Conner, 11-for-100, 2 TD; Brandon Edgar, 10-for-35; Cory Hepler, 4-for-4; Ryan Synoground, 8-for-1; passing: Ryan Synoground, 7-for-25, 96, INT; Receiving: Bret Lukes, 6-for-86; Conner, 1-for-10; penalties: 9-for-100

MANKATO WEST STATS

Rushing: 132; passing: 392; penalties: 55