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Seventy-First (NC) football hires new head coach

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo03/03/26Andy_Villamarzo

Seventy-First (NC) football on Monday decided on a new head coach and they didn’t have to go outside of their own building.

According to a report by the Fayetteville Observer, the Falcons have promoted longtime defensive coordinator Eric Hall to the position of head coach. Hall replaces former Seventy-First head coach Duran McLaurin, who back in February took the coaching job at Hoke County.

McLaurin led Seventy-First for 13 seasons, compiling an overall record of 160-37 during his time with the Falcons. Seventy-First’s football program established themselves as one of the state’s top programs, winning six conference championships, reaching the state playoff 11 times and notching back-to-back state championship appearances in 2023 and 2024.

Now McLaurin will take over a Hoke County program that has endured six straight below .500 seasons, with the last time the Fighting Bucks had a winning campaign was in 2019 when the team went 8-5, according to MaxPreps.

Hall takes for McLaurin after serving the last 13 seasons as an assistant with the Falcons as he led a defensive unit that yielded 168 points through 12 games.

The Falcons ended this past season with a 10-2 record and finishing ranked No. 47, according to the final 2025 North Carolina High School Football Massey Rankings.

More about Seventy-First High School

Seventy-First High School, established in 1924 in Fayetteville, NC, serves grades 9–12 with an enrollment of approximately 1,366 students. It was named after the historic Seventy-First Township, with its origins tied to Scottish heritage. The school offers a robust academic and extracurricular program, including a competitive athletics department. Known as the Falcons, its teams proudly represent the school in red and white. SFHS fosters academic excellence, community spirit, and athletic achievement.

How to Follow North Carolina High School Football

For North Carolina high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Sunshine State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Tar Heel State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the North Carolina high school football excitement across the state.