The Austin football team hasn’t won its Homecoming game since 2008 and the Packers are hoping to change that when they host Winona this Friday at 7 p.m.

While there can be plenty of distractions during homecoming week, Austin senior linebacker Kole Igou said the Packers aren’t about to get sidetracked with such a big game on the horizon.

“We want it bad. We don’t care about anything else right now; we don’t care about battle connects. It’s just the homecoming game,” Igou said. “It’s the main point this year and it’s the year we can do it.”

The Winhawks (1-5 overall, 1-5 Big Nine) are coming off a 14-2 home loss to Mankato East and their lone win was a 28-20 victory over Albert Lea Sept. 19. Winona averages just 10 points per game and it allows 31.5 points per contest.

The Packers (2-4 overall, 2-4 Big Nine) are coming off their best defensive effort of the season when they beat Red Wing 21-14.

Austin head coach Brett Vesel said the Packers will have to stay disciplined on defense and they must avoid allowing big plays to the Winhawks.

“We gave up some big plays the beginning of the year and we’re getting better at that. We understand their offense and we just want to make sure they earn it,” Vesel said. “We’re starting to do some good things and we’re going to continue to get better. We’ve got a few guys healthy now and things are starting to look up. This is the time we want to start to shine.”

Friday will be final home game for the Packers as they look to build off last week’s momentum.

Igou said the team improved its defense against Red Wing by focusing on finishing plays and finishing tackles and he said that’s the focus again this week.

“We’re getting to the point where we’re building off of where we’re at,” Igou said. “Our goal was to get better by the playoffs and it’s nice to have homecoming at the end of the year this year. Everything’s starting to click right now.”