Every high school in the country that plays football has its own history. From heartbreaking losses to program-making wins, each program has its own story.
For some programs, that story is countless seasons of nothing but winning.
Over the decades, a number teams from all over the country have separated themselves in terms of what it takes to become a winning program. While the 1,000-win mark has not been surpassed yet, that day is quickly coming.
Based on records kept by multiple outlets over time and the schools themselves, here’s a look at the 10 high school football programs closing in on 1,000 total wins.
1. Valdosta (Ga.) – 977 wins
The Wildcats have by far the most state championships in Georgia history and after a successful 2025, they moved another step closer to becoming the first program to hit 1,000 wins.
Finishing 12-2, Valdosta posted its first season with 10 or more wins since 2019. Given the team that’s second on this list has made significant ground in recent years, a 12-win season gives the Wildcats a little more breathing room in the race to 1,000.
Valdosta kicks off the 2026 season on the road at Jones County on August 21.
2. Massillon Washington (Ohio) – 968 wins
After several years of gaining ground on Valdosta, the Tigers lost a little bit of traction in 2025 as they finished with less than 10 wins for the first time since 2016.
They only finished one game off of that mark as Massillon Washington finished its 2025 season with a 9-4 record. They’ll kick off their 2026 season at home against Glenville on August 21.
T-3. Male (Ky.) – 965 wins
Seasons with less than 10 wins have become fairly uncommon at Male but that was the case in 2025 as the Bulldogs finished their season 8-5. That slight dip allowed Massillon Washington to stay ahead but also allowed another in-state team tie the record for wins in state history.
Male plays its first game of the season on August 14 at home against Bowling Green.
T-3. Mayfield (Ky.) – 965 wins
Male’s lack of a 10-win season in 2025 allowed for Mayfield to take that step forward and tie the Bulldogs for the most wins in state history and third nationally.
The Cardinals went 10-2 to even things up with Male and will look to take sole lead in 2026. They kick off the upcoming season at Graves County on August 21.
5. Highlands (Ky.) – 953 wins
After some down seasons in the early 2020’s the Bluebirds have hit their stride over the last three seasons. They went 10-3 last season marking the third time in the last three years they’ve won double-digit games and sit alone at the No. 5 spot in national wins.
Looking to gain some ground on the teams above them, they’ll kick off their season on August 28 against Cooper.
T-6. Highland Park (TX) – 912 wins
One of the most successful programs in the Lone Star State, Highland Park sits at the top with the most wins in state history, along with most district championships (60) and most playoff appearances (67). The Scots have won six state championships and will look to add number seven in 2026.
Highland Park finished 12-2 last season and will start its 2026 campaign at home against Lewisville on August 28.
T-6. Mount Carmel (Pa.) – 912 wins
Pennsylvania’s rich football history now boasts a pair of programs with more than 900 wins. Mount Carmel sits at the top of that list, surpassing the 900-win mark two seasons ago. Last season the Tornadoes finished the year 5-6.
With Easton closing in on their heels, the Tornadoes will look to bounce back in 2026 and finish once again with a winning record. They start the season at North Schuylkill on August 23.
7. Muskegon (Mich.) – 910 wins
While the last two years have been a bit of a struggle for the Big Reds, historically there is no other high school in the state of Michigan that comes remotely close in terms of total wins. Muskegon was the first team in the state to surpass 900 wins with the next closest program still nearly 200 wins away from that mark.
After only winning three games in 2024, they bounced back last year finishing the season 7-4. Muskegon opens its season at home against Grandville on August 28.
8. Easton (Pa.) – 903 wins
After going 3-8 in 2023, the Red Rovers bounced back in a big way, posting back-to-back 10-plus win seasons to surpass 900 total wins. They were at their best last season, going 14-1 and winning by an average of 19.2 points.
Closing in on Mount Carmel, the Red Rovers will start the 2026 season on August 28 at Central Bucks West.
9. Haynesville (La.) – 896 wins
Dominant is the only way to describe the Golden Tornado. They went 14-0 last season, winning by an average of 38.6 points and claimed the programs 18th state championship.
That dominant run got them closer to 900 wins as a program and propelled them solidly into the top 10 nationally. They’ll begin their campaign to defend that title on September 4 at home against Ouachita Christian.
10. Canton McKinley (Ohio) – 891 wins
Entering last season, the Bulldogs were eighth nationally in wins. While they did go 9-3 in what was a fairly successful season, they held a narrow lead at that time allowing the two teams behind them to make significant jumps in the standings.
The Bulldogs will start their redemption tour on August 21 at home against Harding.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winningest high school football programs: Top 10 schools closest to 1,000 all-time wins
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