Mary G. Montgomery is 2-0 so far in its self-proclaimed “redemption tour.”

The Class 7A No. 8 Vikings already have avenged close 2022 losses to Williamson and Charles Henderson with decisive road wins.

“All these teams we are playing, I have so much respect for,” MGM coach Zach Golson said. “It’s not a revenge thing. For us, it’s just been a chance to redeem ourselves from some tough losses we had a year ago against some really good teams. We’ve played well so far.”

The third stop on the “redemption tour” is likely the toughest yet.

MGM opens its home and Region 1 schedule Friday night, hosting defending region champ and No. 9-ranked Foley. Both teams are 2-0 in the young season and boast high-scoring offenses.

A year ago, Foley won 42-41 in overtime.

“I hope this game is not like that one,” Lions coach Deric Scott joked. “That one almost took me out. I would love for us to separate and play our best game and really show what we are capable of and let the chips fall where they may.”

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Foley opened the season with home wins over Prattville (45-19) and Baldwin County (37-24). Auburn 5-star wide receiver commit Perry Thompson has touchdowns passing, rushing and receiving, but senior running back Kolton Nero has carried the bulk of the load offensively for Scott’s team so far.

Nero has 555 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 46 carries in just two games – an average of 12.1 yards per carry and 277.5 per game.

“Kolton is showing the type of player he really is and what we’ve all known for a while – that he is an exceptional back,” Scott said. “He can do a lot and do it well. I’m proud of what he is putting out there for us right now, but I also think there is more for him to do and that is what we are looking for out of him.”

Nero’s running and Foley’s ability to control the clock is a key as sophomore quarterback Nelson Thompson continues to grow in the offense.

“He is a guy who jumps off the screen when you watch them,” Golson said of Nero. “He was really good last year, and he may be one of the most improved players this year. To say that speaks a lot. He’s trimmed down. He looks quick, looks fast. To be 6-foot, 230 pounds with that speed and agility will just be a big challenge for us Friday night. It takes more than one defender to get him down.”

Mary G. Montgomery has won its first two games for the first time since 2007, beating Williamson 41-2 and Charles Henderson 19-7. South Alabama quarterback commit Jared Hollins continues to be the key man. Through the first two weeks, Hollins is 25-of-31 for 521 yards and three touchdowns. He also has four rushing scores.

“He has such a live arm,” Scott said. “He can throw it a long way. He’s accurate and he’s athletic and fast. He keeps plays alive and that allows (WR James) Bolton to find an opening. It’s going to be a challenge for sure. Hopefully, we can get it done because they are good. No doubt about it.”

Bolton has eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown this season. Troy Flowers has seven receptions for 158 yards and a TD and has rushed 31 times for 125 yards and a score.

With multiple offensive weapons on both sides of the field Friday, is it possible – maybe even likely – to have another 42-41 type shootout?

“It’s hard to say,” Golson said. “I think it’s possible, but I also thing it could be a slugfest. I think both defenses are very capable. I think it comes down to play-calling and execution.”

Scott left no doubt that he thinks the key for his team is controlling the tempo, which means Nero needs to have another good night.

“Running the ball on offense and taking shots opportunistically,” he said. “Defensively, we’ve got to contain their guys and try to get them in some long yardage situations and limit Bolton’s touches.”

Golson wants his team to do just the opposite.

“We’ve got to get the ball to the right playmakers,” he said. “The good thing about our offense is that there is going to be a guy open usually. It’s hard to cover everyone. If we can maintain the line of scrimmage and create seams in the running game that will help.”

Although it’s early, this week is the first of an important stretch in 7A, Region 1. After tonight’s game, MGM travels to perennial playoff threat Fairhope next week. Foley returns home to host Mississippi State QB commit Josh Flowers and undefeated Baker.

FOLEY (2-0) AT MARY G. MONTGOMERY (2-0)

Time/location: 7 p.m. Friday, Grider Field, Semmes

Last week: Foley defeated Baldwin County 37-24; MGM defeated Charles Henderson 19-7.

On the Air: MCPSS-TV

Region records: 1st 7A, Region 1 game for both teams

The skinny: Foley leads the overall series 24-6 and has won four straight, two of which went to overtime. The Lions won 43-42 in OT last year in Foley. … Foley is averaging 41 points a game in its two wins. Last week, Kolton Nero rushed for 271 yards and 4 TDs in the win over Baldwin County. Auburn WR commit Perry Thompson caught four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. QB Nelson Thompson went 10-of-19 for 149 yards and a score. Deric Scott is 16-16 in his fourth year as Foley’s head coach. … MGM is 2-0 for the first time since 2007. The Vikings started 4-0 that year but lost their final six games. Last week, South Alabama QB commit Jared Hollins scored on two short TD runs and threw a 33-yard TD pass to James Bolton as the Vikings won at Charles Henderson. Hollins was 16-of-20 for 209 yards in the win. Bolton had six receptions for 77 yards. For the season, Hollins is 25-of-31 for 521 yards and 3 TDs. He also has four rushing scores. … Former Daphne and McGill OC Zach Golson is 8-5 in his second season as the Vikings head coach.