The Blue-Gold rivalry game, which pits the Foley Lions against the Fairhope Pirates, is always important for bragging rights.

This year, it means much more than that.

The Pirates (2-0) will visit the Lions (1-1) with an early stake in the 6A, Region 2 title on the line on Friday at Ivan Jones Stadium.

This year’s game also has an added emotional angle, with Fairhope coach David Faulkner returning to Foley for the first time since leaving his job as offensive coordinator for the Lions to become the Pirates’ coach after the 2008 season. After his team beat McGill-Toolen 24-0 on Friday, Faulkner said the game at Foley would be tough.

“Every week in this region is tough, and we have a big one at Foley next,” Faulkner said. “Foley is an extremely well coached team. We will have to play very well to beat them.”

Foley head coach Todd Watson said before the season that he thought Fairhope might be the toughest team in the region.

“Fairhope is very talented this year,” Watson said in a preseason interview. “With Daryl Norris and Jamal Woodyard in the backfield and a lot of talent around them, they will be tough. And they will be very well coached with David Faulkner there this year. There will be a lot of emotion in that game, a lot of distractions that week.”

Both teams are led by senior running backs on offense. Fairhope’s Jamal Woodyard has rushed for over 300 yards and five touchdowns and caught another this season. Foley’s Marcus Washington has scored on the ground five times.

On defense, both teams are led by seniors. Fairhope is led by Chase Garnham, who made several key plays in the win over McGill-Toolen. Foley is led by Max Woerner, who is a big hitter in the defensive backfield.

In other action this week, Baldwin County (1-1) steps out of region to face the Robert E. Lee Generals in Montgomery at the Crampton Bowl on Thursday.

In 6A, Region 2 play on Friday Daphne (0-2) hosts Satsuma and Robertsdale (0-2) travels to play at McGill-Toolen. In 5A, Region 1 Gulf Shores (1-1) hosts LeFlore, while Spanish Fort (2-0) plays at St. Paul’s. In 3A, Region 1 Bayside (1-1) hosts T.R. Miller.

PICKS:

Bayside 14

T.R. Miller 13

BCHS 31

R.E. Lee 23

Foley 31

Fairhope 30

Gulf Shores 31

LeFlore 0

Spanish Fort 35

St. Paul’s 10

Daphne 24

Satsuma 7

McGill-Toolen 17

Robertsdale 14