Columbia, Alabama, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Columbia Eagles, under new head coach Sammie Coates, are determined to break their 91-game losing streak in the upcoming football season. Having not won since 2015, the team has focused on discipline and teamwork, bolstered by support from Gatorade. A documentary titled “All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story” will showcase their journey. Their first game is against Priceville High School, with hopes high for a turnaround as they prepare to face off against old rivals.
Columbia, Alabama: High School Football Team Strives to End 91-Game Losing Streak
The Columbia High School football team, based in Columbia, Alabama, is poised to break a staggering 91-game losing streak, a national record, as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Eagles have not won a game since October 16, 2015, surpassing the previous record of 82 consecutive losses held by Glascock County in Georgia.
Under the leadership of new head coach Sammie Coates, a former NFL wide receiver drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has adopted a refreshed approach to the game. At 32 years old, Coates, who also played for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans from 2015 to 2018, is a native of Alabama and a former player at Auburn University. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a positive attitude both on and off the field.
The Eagles’ journey will be documented in a series titled “All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story,” which is being produced by NFL Films and sponsored by Gatorade. The documentary, set to debut later this fall, focuses on the team’s struggles and perseverance amidst their long-standing losses.
Gatorade is supporting the Columbia Eagles by collaborating with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute experts. This includes personalized sweat testing and education, enabling players to learn about their hydration needs. Each player has received individualized hydration recommendations based on their unique sweat profiles. Additionally, Gatorade has provided a full season’s worth of hydration equipment and products for the Eagles to utilize during games.
Senior running back Hakim Dunnigan expressed enthusiasm about the positive changes the team is experiencing, attributed in part to Gatorade’s support. Moreover, Coates highlighted that the team is making significant progress off the field, showing improved attitudes and respect towards their coaches and teachers.
The Eagles’ first opportunity to end their disheartening losing streak is scheduled for August 22 against Priceville High School, a team that ended last season with a 2-8 record and previously defeated Columbia 68-6. Columbia is also set to face Huffman, which finished the last season with a 1-9 record, with its sole victory coming against Columbia.
In their most recent season, the Eagles came close to breaking the streak when they lost to Hazel Green by a narrow margin of 24-14, raising hopes for a turnaround. Coates is focused on building a strong team culture and developing discipline and belief within the players, underlining that the experience is about more than just football.
Adding to the team’s motivation, Aidan Hutchinson, a defensive end for the Detroit Lions, has provided encouragement to the players while working on his recovery from a season-ending leg injury. Hutchinson’s support serves to inspire the Eagles as they strive to make their mark this upcoming season.
Upcoming Matches
- August 22: Columbia vs. Priceville
- Future opponent: Huffman
About Columbia High School Football Team
- Current Losing Streak: 91 games
- Previous Record: 82 games (Glascock County, Georgia)
- New Head Coach: Sammie Coates
- Documentary: “All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story”
- Sponsor: Gatorade
Coaches and Players’ Perspectives
- Focus on discipline and teamwork.
- Gatorade’s support and insights into hydration.
- Improved morale and respect among players and staff.
Conclusion
The upcoming season holds promise for the Columbia Eagles as they seek to end their long-standing losing streak. With new leadership, community support, and a strong focus on personal and team development, the Eagles aim to change the narrative around their football program.
FAQ
What is Columbia High School’s football team’s current losing streak?
The Columbia High School football team is currently facing a 91-game losing streak as of the upcoming football season.
Who is the new head coach of the Columbia Eagles?
The new head coach of the Columbia Eagles is Sammie Coates, a former NFL wide receiver.
What support is the Columbia football team receiving?
The team is receiving support from Gatorade, including hydration education, personalized sweat testing, and sideline equipment.
When is Columbia’s first game of the upcoming season?
Columbia’s first chance to end their losing streak is against Priceville on August 22.
Key Features of Columbia High School Football Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Losing Streak | 91 games |
| Previous Record Holder | Glascock County, Georgia |
| Head Coach | Sammie Coates |
| Documentary Title | All The Reasons Not to Quit — The Columbia HS Story |
| Primary Sponsor | Gatorade |
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Columbia High School Teams Up with Gatorade to End 91-Game Losing Streak
- MaxPreps: Longest Losing Streak in High School Football Hits 92
- MSN: Country’s Longest High School Football Losing Skid Now at 92
- Sports Illustrated: Former NFL WR Sammie Coates Aims to Help Break Losing Skid
- AL.com: Gatorade Documentary on Alabama High School’s 91-Game Losing Streak
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Columbia High School football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- Google Scholar: High School Football Losing Streaks
- Google News: Columbia Eagles football
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