Huntsville, Alabama, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The Columbia High School football team has achieved a national record with a staggering 93-game losing streak, the longest in high school football history. The team last won on October 16, 2015, and has struggled under new head coach Sammie Coates, who is aiming to instill a winning culture. Gatorade is providing support, including hydration education and resources, while the team’s journey is documented in an upcoming NFL Films series. The team faces significant challenges ahead as they continue to seek their first victory.
Huntsville, Alabama – Columbia High School Football Team Sets National Record for Losing Streak
Columbia High School’s football team has officially set a national record with a staggering 93-game losing streak, the longest in high school football history. The record was solidified with their latest defeat against Huffman High School, where they lost 21-10 on Friday night. This prolonged streak comes as the team continues to seek its first victory since October 16, 2015, when they triumphed over Ardmore High School with a score of 34-16.
The previous record for the longest losing streak was 82 games, held by Georgia’s Glascock County High School from 1990 to 1999. The current senior players at Columbia were merely 7 or 8 years old when the last victory occurred, emphasizing the long duration of their struggle.
Despite the uphill battle, a new wave of optimism surrounds the team. Under the leadership of new head coach Sammie Coates—who is a former NFL wide receiver—the players are motivated to break this disheartening streak. Coach Coates, a noted athlete with experience playing for franchises such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, aims to instill a winning culture within the program.
Coates’s approach prioritizes respect, discipline, and community engagement, which he believes are vital components for cultivating success both on and off the field. Accompanying the team’s endeavor, Gatorade has stepped in as a significant supporter, providing essential resources. The company has made arrangements for the team to access the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, offering hydration education, sweat testing, and a season’s worth of sports products and sideline equipment.
As part of the team’s journey to overcome their struggles, they are also being documented by NFL Films in a series titled “All The Reasons Not to Quit – The Columbia HS Story,” which is set to debut later this fall. This documentary aims to shine a light on the resilience and determination of the players and coaches amidst the ongoing challenges they face.
A senior running back, Hakim Dunnigan, has expressed that the support from Gatorade and the NFL has significantly bolstered the morale of the team. Looking ahead, Columbia’s upcoming schedule includes games against Priceville and a rematch with Huffman. Notably, Priceville had previously defeated Columbia by a large margin of 68-6 last season, indicating a tough challenge ahead.
Coates also remains confident that the hard work and commitment from the players will eventually lead to victories. The team nearly broke their losing streak last season, losing only by a score of 24-14 against Hazel Green, which serves as a powerful reminder of their potential and perseverance heading into the current season.
The initiatives taken by Gatorade are specifically designed to educate the Columbia Eagles about hydration and nutrition, aligning with their training regimen to improve overall performance. Coach Coates’s extensive background in coaching at various high schools positions him well to guide the team toward developing a special program focused on discipline and teamwork.
Upcoming Challenges
Columbia High School’s football team continues to face significant obstacles with the aim of reinvigorating their spirit and ultimately achieving their long-awaited victory. The support from Gatorade and the commitment from Coach Coates marks a hopeful chapter in the team’s storied history.
Key Statistics of Columbia High School Football
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Losing Streak | 93 Games |
| Last Winning Game | October 16, 2015 |
| Previous Longest Streak | 82 Games (Glascock County High School) |
| Recent Defeat | Huffman 21-10 |
| Next Opponents | Priceville and Huffman |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current losing streak of Columbia High School’s football team?
The Columbia High School football team has extended its losing streak to 93 games, setting a new national record.
When was Columbia High School’s last victory?
The team’s last victory occurred on October 16, 2015, against Ardmore High School, with a score of 34-16.
Who is the current head coach of the team?
Sammie Coates, a former NFL wide receiver, is the current head coach aiming to build a winning culture.
What initiatives has Gatorade taken to support the team?
Gatorade has provided resources including hydration education, sweat testing, and sports products to assist the team in their training and performance.
Is there a documentary about the team’s journey?
Yes, NFL Films is documenting the team’s journey in a series titled “All The Reasons Not to Quit – The Columbia HS Story,” which will debut later this fall.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama Crimson Tide Faces Disappointing Season Opener Loss
Columbia High School Football Team Sets National Record
Huntsville Welcomes New High School Football Talent
Huntsville City Schools Enhances Educational Experience
Columbia Eagles Face 93-Game Losing Streak in High School Football
Columbia High School Football Team Aims to Break 91-Game Losing Streak
Huntsville High School: A Legacy of Athletic Excellence
Huntsville High Schools Celebrate Athletic Achievements
Columbia High School’s 2025 Football Season and Losing Streak
Huntsville High School Football Media Day Kicks Off Season
Additional Resources
- Alabama.com
- WAFF
- Today.com
- USA Today
- SI.com
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Columbia High School football team losing streak
- Google Scholar: Columbia High School football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Google News: Columbia High School football losing streak
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.
