Summerville, South Carolina, October 26, 2025
News Summary
In Summerville, South Carolina, the community reflects on the legacy of legendary high school football coach John McKissick, marking 13 years since his 600th win. McKissick, a revered figure, achieved this milestone with a victory against Ashley Ridge, capping a career that includes 10 state championships. The recent game against James Island showcased Summerville’s strength with a 14-9 win, bringing their season record to 6-1. McKissick’s impact on high school football is remembered with respect and admiration.
Summerville, South Carolina is reflecting on the significant milestone achieved by legendary high school football coach John McKissick. It has been 13 years since McKissick reached his 600th win as head coach of Summerville High School football, a remarkable feat that still resonates in the community. McKissick achieved this milestone on October 26, 2012, when the Summerville Green Wave defeated the Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes 37-21.
At the time, McKissick was 86 years old and in his 61st year of coaching. He was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, and graduated from Kingstree Senior High School in Williamsburg County. Following his high school education, he attended Presbyterian College for two years before being drafted into the Army.
Over his long and illustrious coaching career at Summerville, McKissick led the Green Wave to 10 state championships and is recognized as the longest-serving high school football coach of all time. His contributions to the sport were honored with an induction into the High School Football Hall of Fame in 1990. McKissick retired before the 2015 season, with his grandson, Joe Call, succeeding him as head coach. He passed away at the age of 93 in November 2019.
On October 10, 2025, the Summerville Green Wave faced off against James Island at John McKissick Field in a rain-soaked game. Summerville managed to secure a hard-fought victory, defeating James Island 14-9. This game marked Summerville’s 50th win in the series against James Island, who has managed just one win against the Green Wave since 2000. Quarterback Max Stafford played a crucial role in securing the victory by throwing an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jaiden Kelly-Murray in the fourth quarter.
The win improved Summerville’s season record to 6-1, with both teams ranked in the top five of their respective classes—Summerville at fourth and James Island at fifth. Looking ahead, Summerville is scheduled to play against Ashley Ridge, while James Island will be hosting Fort Dorchester. Conditions during the game were challenging, with heavy rain causing both teams to struggle with maintaining offensive momentum.
Key Coaching Achievements
- 600 wins as head coach of Summerville High School football.
- Led the team to 10 state championships.
- Inducted into the High School Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
- Retired as the longest-serving high school football coach of all time.
Recent Game Highlights
- Summerville defeated James Island 14-9 on October 10, 2025.
- Max Stafford threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jaiden Kelly-Murray.
- The victory improved Summerville’s record to 6-1 for the season.
Next Upcoming Games
- Summerville will face Ashley Ridge.
- James Island will host Fort Dorchester.
FAQ
- When did John McKissick achieve his 600th win?
- John McKissick achieved his 600th win on October 26, 2012.
- What was the outcome of the game marking McKissick’s milestone?
- The Summerville Green Wave defeated the Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes 37-21 in the game that marked McKissick’s milestone.
- How old was McKissick at the time of his 600th win?
- At the time of his 600th win, McKissick was 86 years old.
- How many state championships did McKissick win during his coaching career?
- McKissick led the team to 10 state championships during his coaching career.
- When did McKissick retire?
- McKissick retired ahead of the 2015 season.
- What was the outcome of the recent game between Summerville and James Island?
- Summerville defeated James Island 14-9 in a rain-soaked game.
- What was Summerville’s record after the game against James Island?
- The victory improved Summerville’s record to 6-1 for the season.
Key Features of John McKissick’s Coaching Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 600th Win Date | October 26, 2012 |
| Winning Score | 37-21 against Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes |
| Age at 600th Win | 86 |
| State Championships | 10 |
| Retirement Year | 2015 |
| Recent Game Result | 14-9 victory against James Island |
| Summerville’s Record Post-Game | 6-1 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Post and Courier
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
Author: HERE Greenwood
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