Columbia ends nation’s longest high school football losing streak

Since 2015, the Columbia High School football team had been building one of the most well-known streaks not only in Huntsville sports history, but in American sports history.

For over a decade, the Columbia Eagles had not won a game, losing 101 straight times (October 16, 2015, was the team’s last win). This was the longest active losing streak in all of high school football — but it ended Saturday night.

Columbia hosted Greensboro in its season opener on August 22, and all eyes were on the field as the Eagles quickly fell down 14-0 in the first quarter — but, in a remarkable showing of grit and determination, they battled back and scored 41 straight, winning 41-14.

You can only imagine how exciting this win is for the players and coaches alike, now that the streak is over and they can focus on winning more football games. The team will be looking to continue its momentum on August 28, when it will be hosting East Limestone.

Meet the coach who helped Columbia snap its 101-game losing streak

Credit has to be given to Sammie Coates, now in his second season as the head coach of Columbia football, for the losing streak finally coming to an end.

Coates, a standout wide receiver at Auburn and third round NFL draft selection, brought with him a level of expertise and instilled a team-first culture that was never previously seen at the school.

This change in culture and attitude was already showing itself during Coates’ first season, when Columbia nearly beat East Lawrence, which would have snapped the streak before it reached the 100-game mark.

Now that the streak is over, the players and coaches have a reason to feel optimistic and will be looking to build on this early success.