Michigan High School Football’s Longest Losing Streaks
Let me clarify the title, that would be "active" or "current" losing streaks in Michigan high school football.
I started following this because of Tim Staudt and Jim Hornberger's penchant for "going to the bottom of the standings" in just about anything in sports.
Folks, you know how Tim is!!! Recruiting rankings, baseball standings, etc. Tim (and Jim) go right to the bottom of the standings. This is why, folks...smh.
But anyway, there was an article on MLive.com about the longest active losing streaks in Michigan high school football back in 2014. And from that day forward, I have compiled and updated the list (not just for them, but for you as well). I have used MHSAA.com and michigan-football.com to help with the updated list you see below.
Now, before I reveal the seven longest active streaks in Michigan. I sincerely hope that all of these schools are able to turn things around either this year, or in the near future and win at least a few games. So they can get off this list!
There isn't a streak like Martin's 55-game losing streak that you saw nearly 10 years ago. But there are several streaks that date back before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Ok, here they are:
1. PONTIAC PHOENIX (33 LOSSES IN A ROW)
The Phoenix actually made the playoffs in 2008 (their first year of playing after Pontiac Northern and Central HS's merged). But they've fallen on hard times. They haven't won since Week 1 of the 2018 season when they beat Detroit Voyageur 28-8.
2. NEW HAVEN ROCKETS (31 LOSSES IN A ROW)
The Rockets haven't won since Week 9 of the 2017 season when they beat Lakeview HS 35-22. Their last winning season was in 2006 when they went 6-5. It was also the last time they made the MHSAA Playoffs (not counting the 2020 playoffs, where everybody got in because of COVID-19).
3. CASEVILLE EAGLES (27 LOSSES IN A ROW)
Caseville has gone winless since Week 6 of the 2018 season when they annihilated Akron-Fairgrove 54-8. They've only won 12 games since starting their 8-Player program in 2012. They went 4-5 in 2015 & 2018, the best records in school history.
4 (TIE). HOLLAND WEST OTTAWA PANTHERS (26 LOSSES IN A ROW)
This one is really surprising since W. Ottawa is one of the larger schools in the state. Lots more kids to choose from. But the Panthers haven't won a game since Week 8 of the 2018 season, a 42-0 whitewashing of Grand Haven. But it's not easy for them as they play in one of the state's best leagues, the Ottwaw-Kent Red Division.
4 (TIE). WALLED LAKE CENTRAL VIKINGS (26 LOSSES IN A ROW)
The Vikings made the playoffs in 2017, but have won only two games since. They beat Waterford Kettering 38-37 in Week 8 of 2018 for their last win. They almost broke the streak last season in Week 7, but lost to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood 7-6.
6. OKEMOS WOLVES (23 LOSSES IN A ROW)
Formerly known as the Chieftans, and then the Chiefs. Okemos has struggled mightily since making the playoffs in 2018. Their last win was in Week 2 of 2019 when they knocked off Ann Arbor Skyline 42-10. And they scored 7 points last season (on a kick return). They have a new coach in former East Lansing HS star Efe-Scott Emokpour, and hopefully he can start turning things around this season.
7. LITCHFIELD TERRIERS (20 LOSSES IN A ROW)
The Terriers were very good at one time in 11-man football. They made the Class D finals in 1994 before losing to perennial power Beal City 35-14. Since moving to 8-Player football, it's been a struggle. After making the first 8-man playoffs in 2012 (finishing 6-5), they have only won six games since. The last one being in Week 4 of the 2019 season when they beat Waldron 36-22.