The Austin football team was able to dominate the ground game as it rolled past Red Wing 44-12 in Art Hass Stadium Friday night.

The backfield duo of quarterback Nate Murphy and Sam Hagan combined for over 400 yards of offense as Murphy ran for 205 yards and two scores, while throwing for 79 yards and two TDs and Hagan ran for 146 yards and a TD.

“I think everything’s starting to click now. The first game jitters are out of the way for everyone and I think it’s all just starting to come together,” Murphy said. “I love [the physical part of the game], there’s nothing better than trying to run through the guy across from me. Sam had a great game [next to me], he fought for every yard he could.”

Austin’s defense was limited with an injury to starting defensive end Connor Byram, but the Packers (1-1 overall) made some huge plays in the first half. Andrew Chesak recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD to make it 14-0 and Andrew Schumacher picked off a pass in the end zone on Red Wing’s first possession and he broke up a deep pass near the end zone on Red Wing’s second possession.

Schumacher, who also kicks and plays receiver for Austin, saved a TD on the kick-off with a big tackle in the second half as well.

“You’ve got to push in practice [during the week]. We’re always running and I just feed off the energy of my teammates. It’s fun to play for them,” Schumacher said. “I had my guys talking to me on the sidelines and we have great communication. That makes it a lot easier to see things. We worked a lot this week in practice on turning around and getting my eyes on the ball. You’ve got to read their eyes and their hands.”

Red Wing (0-2 overall) pulled to within 24-12 early in the second half when Marcus Walm converted a one-yard TD sneak. Austin had the answer when Murphy ran to convert a fourth down before he scored from six-yards out on a draw play to make it 31-12 with 2:41 left in the game.

Hagan said the Packers were glad to be back on top after a week that saw them turn the ball over five times against Mayo.

“It was definitely an important win after losing last week. We had to come back and show that we’re still a good team and we are after tonight,” Hagan said. “When [Nate and I] see open space, we’re going. The line’s doing everything they can and they’re doing a perfect job.”

Austin head coach Brett Vesel was pleased with the improvements he’s seen from Murphy and he hopes the momentum carries over to next week, when Austin plays at Owatonna at 7 p.m. on Friday.

“Sam did a nice job of holding onto the ball and Nate did a nice job of holding onto the ball and throwing where we needed him to throw it,” Vesel said. “It was a real improvement from last week. Nate really improved and it’s a hard position to learn. You’ve got to feel comfortable playing it and it takes a little while.”

SCORING SUMMARY

RW 0   6   6    0   —  12

Austin 7  14 10  13  —  44

First quarter

(A) Gavin Owens 23 pass from Nate Murphy (Schumacher kick) (7 plays, 57 yards) 1:40

Second quarter

(A) Andy Chesak (Schumacher kick) (1 play, 0 yards) 9:16

(A) Sam Hagan (Schumacher kick) (3 plays, 56 yards) 6:14

(RW) Marcus Walm 1 run (run failed) (4 plays, 52 yards) 1:02

Third quarter

(A) Schumacher 28 field goal (10 plays, 48 yards) 8:21

(RW) Walm 1 run (pass failed) (3 plays, 31 yards) 6:50

(A) Murphy 6 run (Schumacher kick) (11 plays, 53 yards) 2:41

Fourth quarter

(A) Owens 8 pass from Murphy (Schumacher kick) (9 plays, 69 yards) 8:53

(A) Murphy 71 run (pass failed) (2 plays, 68 yards) 6:47

AUSTIN STATS

Rushing: Nate Murphy, 23-for-205, 2 TDs; Sam Hagan, 24-for-146, TD; Eli Johnson, 5-for-33; Mason O’Connor, 3-for-27

Passing: Murphy, 9-for-15, 72, 2 TDs; Johnson, 0-for-5

Receiving: Gavin Owens, 4-for-64, 2 TDs; Collin Dahlback, 1-for-12; Hagan, 1-for-7

Defense: Andrew Schumacher, interception; Sam Johnson, sack

Penalties: 5-for-36

RW STATS

Rushing: 136

Passing: 69

Penalties: 2-for-15