A New Chapter for Eau Claire Football
Harry Curnell, a defensive coordinator with a résumé that spans collegiate programs and several South Carolina high schools, was announced as the new head coach of the Eau Claire High School football team. His appointment comes after DeMarcus Simons departed for a similar role at Richland Northeast High School, leaving a vacancy that the school filled with a coach who has spent years shaping defenses at every level.
Curnell’s hiring is notable not only for his extensive background but also for the timing. The late appointment leaves little room for a traditional offseason transition, yet he remains undeterred, emphasizing that the priority is to have the team ready when summer workouts begin.
The coach outlined a clear vision for the program, promising to install a spread offense that stretches the field horizontally while maintaining an aggressive defensive scheme focused on stopping the run. Curnell says the goal is to give the kids the tools to compete at the next level, noting that belief in oneself is the foundation of any successful turnaround.
Eau Claire’s recent on‑field progress adds urgency to the new coach’s plans. The team posted five victories in the previous season, the first such achievement since 1992, and now faces a schedule that will test them against Class A opponents such as C.A. Johnson, Batesburg‑Leesville and Whitmire.
Beyond X’s and O’s, Curnell stresses the intangible work of building confidence. He has already met with players and will convene with parents on June 1 before launching his summer program on June 2, a timeline he believes will give the squad a head start on the upcoming season.
A Coaching Legacy in the Making
Before arriving at Eau Claire, Curnell honed his craft at a series of respected institutions, including Benedict College, Atlanta Sports Academy, Keenan High School, A.C. Flora and Hopkins High School. Each stop contributed to a coaching philosophy that blends disciplined defense with an up‑tempo offensive approach.
The move to Eau Claire also places Curnell in Columbia, a recruiting hotbed that he hopes will provide a steady pipeline of talent. He expressed optimism that the city’s concentration of top athletes will translate into competitive depth for the program.