The football rivalry between Albert Lea and Austin goes back a long way, and games are usually close and hard-hitting.

Saturday, October 16, 1999

The football rivalry between Albert Lea and Austin goes back a long way, and games are usually close and hard-hitting.

This year, it was hard-hitting.

The visiting Packers kept the Tigers winless for the season and scoreless since week two with a 33-0 shutout at Hammer Field Friday night.

The Tigers, 0-7, finish the regular season Wednesday with what appears to be their best chance yet for a victory – at Winona, which also remained winless with a 27-7 loss to Rochester Century Friday.

Like a lot of their games this year, the Tigers managed to keep it fairly close early Friday night.

After an exchange of punts to open the first quarter, the Packers drove for the game’s first touchdown – scored on an 18-yard run – and kicked the PAT for a 7-0 lead with 8:01 on the clock.

The Tigers answered with their best drive of the first half, taking it to the Austin 30-yard line before stalling on fourth down and inches.

The Tigers’ next possession began deep in their own territory and did not last long. On third down, the Packers intercepted a screen pass and returned it 5 yards for a touchdown. This time Austin faked the kick and ran for the PAT, making it 15-0.

In the second quarter Austin drove 69 yards in 10 plays, taking a 21-0 halftime lead.

The Packers added touchdowns in each of the third and fourth quarters.

The Tigers finished with 73 total yards, 68 rushing on 35 carries and 5 passing as quarterback Nick Cunningham completed two of six passes. Both completions were to Chris Stanek.

Bryce Williams, returning to the lineup from an injury, led the Tigers in rushing with 57 yards on 20 carries. Cunningham carried seven times for 13 yards.

The Tigers had five first downs and two turnovers while being called for eight penalties totaling 69 yards.

Austin totaled 333 yards, rushing for 252 and passing for 81 with nine first downs. The Packers had no turnovers but were penalized nine times for 90 yards.