By now, I’m sure that everybody knows about the Madden Curse and the Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx. But have you ever heard of the lesser-known Statesman Skid?

Let me explain… on October 31, 2003, the Statesman published a story about Johnston High that included the headline “Johnston enjoying best season in years.” The headline seemed to be even more appropriate that night when the Rams improved to 4-5 with an overtime victory over Travis.

Then the Statesman Skid set in. Johnston lost or forfeited its next 41 games before the state shut the campus down and re-opened the school as Eastside Memorial. After playing two seasons at the junior varsity level, Eastside premiered as a varsity team this fall but lost its first two games by the combined score of 101-7.

But finally, after seven years, 43 varsity losses and a name change, the school at 1012 Arthur Stiles Road is celebrating a win. Tylanedor Hill and Desmine Shaw each rushed for two touchdowns on Thursday night as Eastside beat St. Andrew’s 42-34.

Earlier this week, I wrote about the problems at Eastside and I don’t think that Thursday’s win softens the blows that this program may take this season. But, at least for one night, it was awesome to see the Panthers come out on top.