The Eagles of Columbia High finally snapped a 101-game winless streak that had stretched back to 2015, beating Greensboro High 41-14 on a Saturday night that will be remembered in Alabama high school football lore.
Head coach Sammie Coates, a former Auburn University standout and NFL draft pick, took over the program in 2024 and immediately shifted the focus from the streak to player development and culture. Under his guidance the roster swelled from 28 to 60 athletes, giving the team depth and competition that had been missing for years.
A Culture Built on More Than Wins
The game began with Greensboro striking first, leading 14-0 early in the first quarter. Turnovers by the Eagles, however, swung momentum, and Columbia answered with three second-half touchdowns, including a 20-14 lead at halftime that set the stage for a decisive victory.
Coach Coates praised his players' dedication, calling the win a blessing after months of hard work in spring and summer training. He emphasized that the culture he has nurtured — built on accountability, effort, and continuous improvement — was the true catalyst behind the breakthrough.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will try to string together a two-game winning streak when they host East Limestone High on Friday night, a matchup that promises to test whether the momentum can be sustained.