Columbia, Alabama, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The Columbia High School football team, enduring a national-record losing streak of 91 games, seeks to reverse their fortunes under new head coach Sammie Coates. With local and NFL support, including resources from Gatorade, the team aims to foster a culture of respect and discipline. The upcoming documentary, ‘All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story’, will highlight their journey. Players are reporting a boost in morale, looking forward to breaking the streak, starting with their first game against Priceville.
Columbia, Alabama – The Columbia High School football team is on a mission to end its lengthy losing streak that has reached a national-record 91 games. With the last victory recorded on October 16, 2015, the Eagles look to turn a new page under the guidance of freshly appointed head coach, Sammie Coates, a former NFL wide receiver.
At just 32 years old, Coates brings both experience and a local connection with his Alabama roots and history as a standout player at Auburn University. After being drafted in 2015 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Coates went on to play for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans until 2018. His first task is to lift the team’s spirits and build a culture of respect and winning both on and off the field.
Support has come in from multiple sources, including Gatorade, which has provided essential resources for player performance and recovery. The Gatorade Sports Science Institute will offer insights to help the team maximize their training and recovery processes. Additionally, the company has equipped Columbia with a season’s worth of sidelined gear and products to enhance their game day experience.
In an exciting development, the Eagles are also filming a documentary series with NFL Films titled “All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story,” set to debut later this fall. This series aims to chronicle the team’s journey towards breaking the detrimental losing streak and serve as a source of inspiration for players and fans alike.
The players are already reporting a shift in morale with senior running back Hakim Dunnigan noting increased support and energy among teammates. Coates emphasizes the importance of discipline and respect towards teachers, staff, and the wider community, aiming to reshape the team’s identity in a positive manner.
Prominent figures from the NFL are also lending their support. Detroit Lions star Aidan Hutchinson recently delivered a motivational pep talk to the Eagles, further fueling their desire to succeed this season.
Columbia’s first opportunity to break their losing streak will present itself on August 22 against Priceville, a team that previously defeated them 68-6 last season. Following this match, the Eagles will take on Huffman, who ended last season with a dismal 1-9 record—ironically, their only victory was against Columbia.
In a near-miss blow to the streak, the Eagles almost triumphed in their last game of the 2024 season, coming up short in a close 24-14 loss to Hazel Green—an experience that leaves hope for future performance.
The current streak of 91 games officially surpasses the previous national record of 82 consecutive losses held by Georgia’s Glascock County from 1990 to 1999. The Columbia Eagles are motivated and determined to change their narrative and bring home a victory.
FAQ
What is the current losing streak of Columbia High School’s football team?
Columbia High School’s football team currently holds a national record losing streak of 91 games.
Who is the new head coach of Columbia High School’s football team?
The new head coach is Sammie Coates, a former NFL wide receiver.
When did Columbia High School last win a football game?
Columbia High School last won a football game on October 16, 2015.
What support is the team receiving from Gatorade?
Gatorade is providing the team with access to performance and recovery experts, as well as a season’s worth of sideline equipment and products.
What is the name of the documentary series being filmed about the team?
The documentary series is titled “All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story.”
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Losing Streak | National record of 91 games since 2015. |
| Head Coach | Sammie Coates, former NFL wide receiver. |
| Gatorade Support | Performance insights and equipment for the team. |
| Documentary | “All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story.” |
| First Game to Break Streak | August 22 against Priceville. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina High School Football Week 4 Highlights
Columbia High School Football Team Faces 95-Game Losing Streak
South Carolina High School Football Week 3 Matchups
South Carolina High School Football Media Poll Rankings Released
Augusta University Hosts CSRA College Night
South Carolina High School Football Season Week 3 Highlights
Intense Matchups Highlight South Carolina High School Football
Bill Belichick Takes Charge of UNC Football
South Carolina High School Football Week 2 Results
South Carolina High School Football Season Kicks Off
Additional Resources
- Today: Columbia Eagles Losing Streak
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Times Union: High School Football Scores
- Google Search: Columbia High School football
- SI: Columbia High School Football Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- MaxPreps: Longest Losing Streak in High School Football
- Google News: Columbia High School Eagles
- WAFF: Columbia High School Teams Up with Gatorade
- Google Scholar: High School Football Losing Streak
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