Huntsville, Alabama, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Columbia High School is preparing for the 2025 football season, hoping to end its 91-game losing streak. With new head coach Sammie Coates at the helm, the Eagles aim to rebuild player confidence and improve their performance. The season opener against Cartersville ended in a significant loss, but the team is determined to turn things around. A video series sponsored by Gatorade will document their journey as they strive for redemption on the field.
Columbia High School Documents 2025 Football Season Amid Nation’s Longest Losing Streak
Huntsville, Alabama – Columbia High School is continuing to grapple with the nation’s longest high school football losing streak, which currently stands at 91 consecutive losses. The Columbia Eagles last experienced victory on October 2, 2015, and this upcoming 2025 football season promises to garner attention as a five-part video series, sponsored by Gatorade, will chronicle the team’s journey.
In a bid to rejuvenate the football program, former Auburn standout Sammie Coates has been appointed as the new head coach. Coates aims to shift the focus from winning games to fostering player confidence, emphasizing that empowering his athletes is paramount to the team’s growth. The Eagles kicked off the 2025 season on August 22 against Priceville, with hopes of breaking their long-standing streak of losses.
Columbia Eagles concluded the previous season with a 5-7 record, after an initially rough start. Despite beginning the season 0-6, they managed to qualify for the Class 2A playoffs, marking a significant improvement. Their playoff journey initiated with a win, but it concluded with a close loss to Pierce County at 31-24.
The Eagles will be looking to build upon their recent playoff experience to turn their fortunes in the current season. Their first opponent, Cartersville, is a strong competitor. Cartersville finished the last season with an impressive 12-1 record, ultimately reaching the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual state champion North Oconee. They had previously defeated Columbia in their last matchup, performing a commanding victory of 40-0.
In the season opener against Cartersville, Columbia faced a daunting challenge. The Eagles were unable to score, losing to Cartersville once again, this time with a score of 44-0. The match showcased a blend of defensive struggles and overwhelmed offensive attempts by Columbia. On the contrary, Cartersville featured an array of scoring plays, including touchdowns from Nate Russell and Braylon Hill, along with a pick-six interception by Cole Crawford.
This season, the Eagles aim not only to enhance their performance on the field but also to turn the tide of their disheartening losing streak by leveraging the support of their new head coach and the motivational spotlight of the upcoming documentary series.
Context and Historical Significance
The Eagles’ current streak stretches back several seasons, reflecting deeper challenges within the program. Columbia has experienced growth in the past at the competitive level, as shown during the previous season’s resilience. However, as the team gears up for 2025, the spotlight will be on how they redefine themselves under new leadership and the pressure of maintaining player morale amidst ongoing adversity.
Upcoming Games and Key Players
- Opponent in Season Opener: Priceville
- Notable Players for Cartersville: Nate Russell, Braylon Hill, Cole Crawford
Prior Season Summary
Columbia finished the last season with a 5-7 record after starting 0-6 and achieved their first playoff victory in a long time.
Future Goals
Columbia’s focus this season is to break the long losing streak while building up their team dynamics and confidence, with the new head coach leading the charge in these efforts.
FAQ
What is Columbia High School’s current football losing streak?
The Columbia Eagles currently hold the nation’s longest high school football losing streak at 91 games.
When was Columbia’s last football victory?
The last victory for the Columbia Eagles was on October 2, 2015.
Who is the new head coach of Columbia High School football team?
Former Auburn standout Sammie Coates has been appointed as the new head coach.
How did the Columbia Eagles perform last season?
The Eagles finished the last season with a record of 5-7 after initially starting the season 0-6 and making it to the Class 2A playoffs.
What is the purpose of the Gatorade-sponsored video series?
It aims to document the Columbia Eagles’ journey throughout the 2025 football season, bringing attention to their struggle and efforts to break their losing streak.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Losing Streak | 91 games |
| Last Victory | October 2, 2015 |
| New Head Coach | Sammie Coates |
| 2024 Season Record | 5-7 |
| First Opponent | Priceville |
| Video Series Title | Gatorade Football Series 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville High School Football Media Day Kicks Off Season
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Columbia High School Documents 2025 Football Season
- SI.com: Live Updates on Georgia High School Football
- The State: High School Sports News
- NFHS Network: Santa Fe High School Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
