Two of the state’s longest losing streaks came to an end over the weekend when Islands and Josey both came away with victories.

Islands defeated Groves 31-18 to end a 37-game losing streak, the fourth-longest active losing streak in Georgia. Josey defeated Twiggs County 38-14 to end its 19-game losing streak, which was tied for the fifth-longest active losing streak.

Islands, a Class 3A team from Savannah, had not won a game since beating Groves on Oct. 10, 2021. Ethan McKinney ran for 224 yards and one touchdown to pace the Sharks. Ironically the victory came on the opening night of the new stadium at Groves High School.

Islands

Islands players flood the field after ending their 37-game losing streak.

Credit: Islands Touchdown Club Facebook

The Sharks had endured three consecutive winless seasons. The team is in its first season under head coach Rusty Perry, who had been an assistant coach at the school for the last five seasons.

“It’s great to see all their hard work pay off,” Perry told the Savannah Morning News. “We’re focusing on the process of working hard in every practice and the on every play in our games. This is the first high school win for a lot of our guys, so it means a lot. We’re just trying to get tougher by playing with attitude, effort and a strong mentality.”

Josey, a Class 2A team from Augusta, had not won a game since defeating Savannah in the 2023 season opener. The Eagles are in their first season under coach Gene Clemons. The program was once one of the best in the state, winning three consecutive region titles from 1994-97 and claiming the state title by going undefeated in 1995.

The current longest losing streaks belong to Jordan (47), Savannah (38) and Cross Keys (37).

Milton

Milton wins program’s 400th game

The Milton Eagles, winners of two straight state championships, claimed the 400th victory in the program’s history on Friday when they defeated Blessed Trinity 21-10.’

Milton began playing football in 1950 and Gus Letchas, the program’s original coach, was there for 16 seasons and won 72 games and one region title.

As the area began to grow, so did the program’s success. The Eagles experienced extended success under coach Adam Clack, who went 54-12 in five seasons from 2017-21 with four region championships and one state title.

Ben Reaves followed in 2022 when Clack left for a college job. In four seasons under Reaves, Milton is 41-7 with three region championships and two state titles.

The program’s all-time record is 400-385-12 with nine region championships and three state championships.