FOLEY, Alabama – Showtime Julio Jones and a relentless Foley Lions’ defense stomped the Fairhope Pirates 43-7 improving their undefeated streak to four games (4-0, 3-0 6A Region 2) at Ivan Jones Stadium Friday night

The Lions’ offense lit up the first half by pummeling the Pirates (2-2, 2-1 6A Region 2) vulnerable defense with an effective running game and a stunning passing effort by senior quarterback Devin Smith.

Seven Lions’ players contributed to the running onslaught, carrying the ball for a total of 117 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. 

Running back LaVance Mitchell crossed the goal line three times on six carries before halftime: a 1-yard tumble that brought the Lions up 10-0, an 11-yard sprint just before the first quarter ended, giving Foley a commanding lead at 17-0, and a 5-yard hustle through the Pirates-D midway through the second quarter, taking the game nearly out of reach at 24-0.

Then came the duo: Smith and Jones connecting on eight passes before half time for 126 yards and two touchdowns. 

Jones caught a 31-yard strike with 7:09 remaining in the second quarter for an easy touchdown and six minutes later he fetched a spiraling Smith pigskin from the air, juking a Pirates defender near the pylon for the score, blanking the Pirates 37-0 by halftime. 

Smith threw 19-of-32 for 225 yards and two touchdowns for the game, and Jones brought down 10 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns.  He dropped one pass during the game coming on a slant route over the middle. 

The Lions’ formidable defense proved itself for a second week in a row halting the passing game of sophomore quarterback Darly Norris, who had two consecutive games with five touchdown passes before coming up against Foley. 

Norris went 4-of-12 for 16 yards in the first half, and didn’t fare much better for the game going 9-of-18 for 80 yards, one touchdown and one interception. 

Midway through the fourth quarter, Norris connected with Jamal Woodyard on a 2-yard touchdown pass - the only points the Pirates would flash on the scoreboard, 43-7. 

The young but unyielding Foley-D also put the breaks on the Pirates’ running game allowing a meager 39 yards on 7 carries in the first half.

And, Lions’ steel-toed kicker Jorge Santa Maria sliced the uprights going 3-for-3 from 28, 27, and 21 yards.

Next Friday, Foley faces Lake City, Fla. at home for homecoming and the Pirates head to Mobile County against UMS-Wright.