Valdosta is first team to win 800; Massillon is next

VALDOSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Valdosta High School became the first prep team in the nation to win 800 games, shutting out Lee County 36-0 Friday night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
"This is a special victory for this program," Valdosta coach Mike O'Brien said. "This is for all the players who played for Valdosta in the past, and all the people who have supported us for so long. There have been a lot of people who contributed to helping us get to 800."
Valdosta, 800-163-34 over 88 seasons, holds the record for state titles with 23. The Wildcats, 6-1-1 this season, have captured national attention over the years, being named the top team in the nation six times. USA Today had the Wildcats No. 1 in 1984 and 1986.
"Each time you coach or play for Valdosta, it's an experience you don't forget," O'Brien said.
Washington High School in Massillon is the closest to Valdosta in victories with a 743-207-35 record, according to USA Today. Of Valdosta's 12 football coaches, the three biggest winners are Wright Bazemore (268-51-7), Nick Hyder (249-36-2) and O'Brien (68-18-1).