Following consecutive losses in the East regional final, it seemed as though fate was on Seventy-First’s side to claim victory in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A football championship.

Unfortunately, even the most well-thought-out plans of mice, men, and Falcons do not always go as expected.

In the past three years, Coach Duran McLaurin’s teams have had a record of 41 wins and 3 losses. These losses were only to one state champion and two state runners-up, and they were by a total of 14 points.

Indeed, the team’s 33-26 defeat against undefeated Hickory, with a record of 16-0, was considered the most devastating loss since the unusual 2020 season, which was actually held in the spring of 2021.

For almost any program, the third year on that kind of arc — two final four trips followed by coming up short in the state final — would’ve closed the window on title hopes. “Wait until next year” would feel like a coping mechanism instead of a sober analysis of the situation.

However, the Falcons still have potential as they have a few returning players for next year, such as Deandre Nance who is a versatile quarterback and Donovan Frederick who excels in both offense and defense.

McLaurin stated that it provides motivation for the upcoming season. He added that they had nothing to be discouraged about.

Nance is a highly skilled quarterback who has completed 69.4% of his passes for 1,639 yards and 20 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. He has also rushed for an impressive 1,691 yards and scored 38 touchdowns. As a result, he is considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the state. Some experts believe he has the potential to play safety at the college level.

With the exception of Nance, the remaining four rushers are back, such as Frederick (1,634 yards, 10 scores) and Jayson Franklin (1,460 yards, 15 scores).

Frederick is also the team’s leading returning tackler, making 175 stops (10.9/game) with 48 of them for loss. The Falcons return seven of the top 11 tacklers. Kalen Lucas and Anthony Bethea, who led the team with 11 and seven passes defended, respectively, are also back.

A few starters from the largest offensive line in a state title game, including 4A, will also be returning.

Source: highschoolot.com