Heartbreak of a decade continued on August 22 when Columbia High School’s varsity football team lost 53–6 to Priceville and continued a 92-games winless streak that is the longest in U.S. high school football history. Originally a low-key slide in October of 2015, the situation has developed into a national narrative, one of grit and optimism and of a town’s refusal to throw in the towel.
Columbia’s last victory came on October 16, 2015, a 34–16 win over Ardmore. One week later, the streak began. Since then, the program has cycled through coaches, shifted classifications, and endured countless Friday nights without tasting victory.
With an all-time record of 31–159 since the school launched its football program in 2006, Columbia now sits atop an unenviable list, surpassing Georgia’s Glascock County High, which previously held the record at 82 straight losses (1990–1999).
Senior running back Hakim Dunnigan provided a rare highlight in the Priceville game, breaking free for an 80-yard touchdown run Columbia’s only score.
“That moment meant a lot. It shows we’re still fighting. We’re not giving up.”
Dunnigan said afterward.
The 92-game streak began trending after the Priceville loss, sparking viral debates on social media. Some questioned the numbers, but the record is real.
A tweet from X.
The school turned to a familiar face in January 2025, hiring Sammie Coates, a Columbia alumnus, former Auburn University standout, and ex-NFL wide receiver.
For Coates, the job is personal.
“This isn’t just about football. It’s about teaching discipline, belief, and building something special together as a team.”
he said.
Coates has leaned on his experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans, as well as modern sports science and mentorship programs, to change the program’s culture.
“We respect every coach, every teacher, every teammate. Wins will come when the foundation is right.”
he added.
Columbia’s revival plan isn’t happening in isolation. Gatorade has partnered with the program through the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), providing sweat testing, hydration support, and mentorship from professional athletes like Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions.
Meanwhile, NFL Films is documenting the journey in a feature titled “All the Reasons Not to Quit The Columbia HS Story.” The series will follow the Eagles throughout the 2025 season, offering a national platform for a team fighting to rewrite its narrative.
Despite nearly a decade of losses, Columbia’s stands are rarely empty on Friday nights. Parents, students, and alumni keep showing up, believing their team deserves a chance to rebuild.
Not everyone agrees. Some local debates center on whether continued funding for the football program is justified. Critics argue resources should be shifted elsewhere, but supporters counter that football binds the school and its diverse 950-student community together.
Adding to the confusion, Columbia High School in Huntsville, Alabama, has often been mistaken online for other Columbias in New Jersey, South Carolina, or Georgia. The record belongs to the Alabama Eagles mascot confirmed.
Columbia’s next shot at redemption comes August 29, when they host Huffman High School at Milton Frank Stadium. Huffman finished last season with a 1–9 record, making it one of Columbia’s better chances to end the streak.
Regardless of the outcome, Coach Coates says the Eagles’ story is bigger than football.
“Every day, these kids choose to show up, work hard, and believe. That’s what this season is about proving to themselves that quitting is not an option.”
he said.
For a team mired in a record-setting skid, hope may be the most important stat of all.
