OHIO — The final Friday night of high school football's regular season has arrived, and it could break a record.

If Marion Local defeats Coldwater, it would become the first football program in Ohio High School Athletic Association history to win 58 straight games.

This year’s players can turn to predecessors from nearly 25 years ago for giving them a chance to set the record. 

In 2000, Delphos St. John’s took a 57-game winning streak into the state semifinal before losing to Marion Local.

“We don’t rest on our laurels or pat ourselves on the back for that night,” said Brian Wolters, Marion Local graduate of 2001 and wide receiver of that team. “Now, in the community, obviously it’s been 25 years, so it’s less and less all the time. But it does come up, more than you still think.

Marion Local has gone undefeated in each of its last four seasons.

“Of course I’m pulling for Coldwater, duh!” said Joe Kapcar, Delphos St. John’s graduate of 2001 and defensive end of that team. “Obviously, as a competitor, we all are. But either way, I want a good game for the kids. It’s a good experience for the kids. That’s all I am excited about, is the kids.”

The Flyers’ last loss was in the 2020 state championship.