The Isabella Mustangs (3-3, 2-2) handed the Central-Hayneville Lions (0-5, 0-4) their 37th straight loss Friday night, defeating the Lions 56-12.

Although Central-Hayneville currently has the state’s longest losing streak, Isabella coach Scott Booth said the team is improving. Booth also said the Mustangs had more momentum going into their homecoming game.

“We came out tonight with a lot more excitement and a lot more enthusiasm,” Booth said. “We made some mistakes, but we did it full speed.”

The Mustangs wasted no time getting on the board, as DeRodgus Campbell returned a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown.

Later, an interception by Central’s Janathan Oliver didn’t get the Lions very far. Isabella’s Matthew Jones picked off a pass in the end zone, making it 14-0 by the end of the first.

Just seconds into the second quarter, Nathan Smith intercepted the ball. A 3-yard Tyler Smith touchdown made it 20-0 by halftime.

The Lions’ first roar came in the third with a Terraris Saffold touchdown. But Smith answered with a 10-yarder, and Bobby Knox ran 44 yards for another TD — capped by a two-point conversion, courtesy of Smith.

The Mustang defense would put up the next points — a safety credited to Christian Littleton. Smith would score again, running down the right side for a 13-yard touchdown.

With 10:27 in the fourth, Saffold found another hole for six more Lions points. But it was all Isabella from there. Smith connected with Knox for a 48-yard touchdown pass. The final touchdown was by Trey Calfee (24 yards).

Top Isabella rushers were Smith, with 214 yards on 27 carries; Knox, with 82 yards on four carries; and Mason Pate with 71 yards on five carries.

Smith completed five of eight passes for 117 yards, and Aaron Ratliff had nine tackles.