The 40-Game Streak: 5 Shocking Facts About Mount Airy High School Football's Dominance And Future

Mount Airy High School football remains one of the most dominant and historically significant programs in North Carolina prep sports, culminating in an electrifying run of recent success that has cemented the Granite Bears' legacy. As of December 17, 2025, the program is transitioning from a period of unprecedented dominance under a championship-winning coach to a new era, following a remarkable 2024 season that saw a legendary winning streak come to a dramatic end in the NCHSAA playoffs.

The Mount Airy Granite Bears have captured the attention of the entire state with their relentless performance in the 1A classification, securing back-to-back state championships and compiling a near-perfect run over the past three seasons. The program's recent history is defined by a culture of excellence, a deep roster of standout athletes, and a coaching staff that consistently prepared them for the high-stakes environment of the state playoffs. The latest updates reveal a major coaching shift and a look ahead at the challenges of maintaining this elite status in the competitive Northwest 1A Conference.

Mount Airy High School Football: Program Biography and Historical Milestones

The Mount Airy Granite Bears boast one of the richest football histories in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), particularly in the 1A classification. Their program is synonymous with winning, having achieved multiple state titles across different eras.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Mascot: Granite Bears
• Location: Mount Airy, North Carolina
• Conference (2024-2025): Northwest 1A Conference
• Head Coach (2024-2025): JK Adkins (Jasson Adkins)
• Head Coach (2025-2026): Austin Taylor
• Notable State Championships:
  • 1942 (41-0 victory over Scotland Neck)
  • 1967 (19-0 victory over Mount Tabor)
  • Recent Back-to-Back Titles (2022 and 2023, NCHSAA 1A)
• Perfect Season: The 2023-2024 team completed a perfect 16-0 season.
• Record Winning Streak: The program built a remarkable 40-game winning streak that extended into the 2024 season.

The Era of Dominance: Back-to-Back NCHSAA 1A State Championships

Mount Airy's football program reached a new peak of dominance by securing consecutive NCHSAA 1A State Championships. The pinnacle of this run was the 2023-2024 season, where the Granite Bears achieved a flawless 16-0 record, solidifying their position as the top team in the state's 1A division.

The 2023 Perfect Season

The 2023 campaign was a masterclass in high school football, culminating in the team's second consecutive state title. The Granite Bears defeated a formidable opponent, Tarboro High School, with a score of 21-3 in the championship game. This victory was particularly sweet, as Mount Airy had previously avenged a loss to Tarboro in the 2017 state championship game. Key players from this championship team included captain Walker Stroup, who graduated in the spring of 2024.

The 40-Game Winning Streak

The success of the 2022 and 2023 seasons fueled a historic 40-game winning streak that became a central narrative for the program. This streak placed the Granite Bears among the elite high school football programs in the country, showcasing the consistency and depth of talent developed by Head Coach JK Adkins and his staff, including Assistant Coaches Weston Miller, David Meredith, Justin Moore, and Caleb Thomas.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The 2024 Season: A Three-Peat Attempt and the Streak's End

Entering the 2024-2025 season, the Mount Airy Granite Bears were seeking an unprecedented "three-peat" NCHSAA 1A State Championship, a goal that captured the imagination of the entire community. The team, led by a talented roster featuring seniors like Yanniel Arce and Bryson Taylor, as well as juniors Tyson Youmans and Aidan Polmeroy, continued their winning ways, finishing the regular season with an impressive 13-1 record.

The Playoff Showdown

The 2024 season was defined by its dramatic conclusion in the NCHSAA football playoffs. The Granite Bears' legendary 40-game winning streak finally came to an end in Round 4 of the state tournament. The loss was a major moment in North Carolina high school football history, marking the end of one of the state's most significant winning runs.

Standout Players and Highlights

Despite the end of the streak, the 2024 team produced numerous highlights. The MaxPreps roster for the 2024-2025 season included key contributors like Zach Goins and Landon Gallimore. The playoff run itself featured standout performances, including from a University of North Carolina commit, Demon June, who had a massive 198 yards in a Round 4 game, demonstrating the high-caliber talent that passes through the Mount Airy program.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Future Outlook: Coaching Changes and the 2025-2026 Season

The conclusion of the 2024 season marks a significant transition point for the Mount Airy football program, signaling a new chapter in its storied history. The most impactful change is at the top of the coaching staff.

The Transition from Adkins to Taylor

Head Coach JK Adkins, who oversaw the program's recent championship dynasty and the 40-game streak, stepped down or transitioned roles after the 2024-2025 season. Taking the reins for the upcoming 2025-2026 season is the newly named Head Coach, Austin Taylor. This coaching change is a critical development, as Taylor will be tasked with maintaining the elite standard set by Adkins and continuing the program's success in the competitive landscape of the NCHSAA.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2025 season schedule is already being set, with the Granite Bears preparing to face a challenging line-up of opponents. The program's continued strength is evident in early 2025 spring football coverage, which suggests the team is "shaping up to be no different" from its consistently high-ranking predecessors. A glimpse into the 2025 season schedule shows a dominant tournament game victory over Thomasville High School with a score of 52-0, indicating the program's winning culture is deeply ingrained.

While the 40-game streak is now a part of history, the Mount Airy Granite Bears remain a powerhouse in North Carolina high school football. The new era under Coach Austin Taylor promises to be one of high expectations, with the team focused on building a new legacy and reclaiming the NCHSAA 1A State Championship title.