He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. Central has played for the 7A championship in three of the last four seasons, beating Thompson 52-7 in 2018 . Highland Home has been a revolving door of head coaches visiting Faulk, including Tennessees Josh Heupel. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. I can do this my way and actually go to a good college like Wendell did. Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. Some On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. The meeting was adjourned quickly and the head coach was brought in to welcome him into the chamber. Later, the same call was made on Bullock. And while some schools showed interest in him taking his talents there, the recruiting slowed down, no matter how much he was thrashing his competition on a team that was one of the best around. The former Jackson State offensive coordinator has now spent four seasons as head coach at Eufaula High School in southeast Alabama, about 80 minutes from Auburn. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. The Crimson Tide, who have the No. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. 5 in the state and No. In the past, Auburn has found some of its best talent in Mobile, including Williamson High School cornerback Roger McCreary, a three-star prospect who developed into a first-team All-American. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. WEBB CITY, Mo. Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. The funds generated by those summer camps can typically add another $10,000-$30,000 to a coach's bottom line income in some cases. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. I look forward to things to come. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. Were like a family. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. How tall was Tommy Thompson? He wants to keep the promise he made to his grandma before the season: no distractions, nothing but his best as he strives for his best. Brandon Graves Elementary Teacher / Head Baseball & Asst Football Coach. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. Wallace is expected to transfer. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. The 27 . Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. In another, it makes perfect sense. And when you put together a 60-1 record over the course of two years, it takes something special, something stronger than Xs and Os and talent. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. What more were we going to do at Spanish Fort? On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. Experience: 38 years Education: University of Texas Assignment: Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Wife: Teresa Children: Abby, Kate Phone: 512-414-0528 Email: jeff.ables@austinisd.org. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. Make them your biggest fans.. Photographer Kenny Grimes has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final) containing 104 photos. Theres no my way or the highway. What I want to do is take what Ive learned, what Ive been able to take in during my five years with Thompson and apply it to Moody. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. That shows citizens and potential community members that their school's high school football experience will be second to none in the state of Alabama. OK, I was a lot alarmed. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. One night, after the Vikings played in the holiday tournament at Mount Pleasant, I was walking to my car to head off and write my story. Funny how hard work works. Hes rare. TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signed The San Jose Earthquakes have re-signed homegrown defender Tommy Thompson through the 2023 MLS season with an option for 2024, the club announced Tuesday. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. The outworkem all came. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. Prior to taking the job at Spanish Fort, Freeman went 13-9 in two seasons at Gulf Shores and took the Dolphins to the playoffs in the first season. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Thompsons Jake Ganus hired as Moody football coach, Two individuals sentenced for kidnapping 3-year-old Kamille Cupcake McKinney, resulting in her death, Inmate of City of Birmingham Jail pronounced dead, found by fellow inmate, Finalists for Trussville BOE seat announced, Pinson council presents $60,000 check to schools, Springville softball blow out Pelham, continue dominant season, Obituary: Myra Carroll (August 22, 1937 February 23, 2023), Obituary: Sherry Webster Zorn (August 21, 1948 February 22, 2023), Trussville teen uses platform to build beds for children in need. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. But the very good, solid kid that you can win with and (have) represent the school and do the right thing, theyre holding way back on these kids right now.. Wallace was hired in 2018, and went 11-28 overall. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. The top spot belonged to . Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. Well, thats going to be some moment. My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. Jaiden Thompson poses with a plaque honoring him as the SPC Player of the Year after the Vikings won the conference tournament championship last month. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Shelby County announces 2023 free landfill days, TMS students celebrate Black History Month, Thompson beats Oak Mountain to improve to 9-2, Thompson girls, boys win area opener against Tuscaloosa County. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. He has not met Harsin. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. Football Coaches. Top Coach. For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. He knew then-Central upperclassmen Christian Cornish and Dajon Johnson well. Fegans laughs with a. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. ALABASTER, Ala. In one sense, this is hardly the kind of town that comes to mind when you think of nationally relevant high school football programs. And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. Rigby hasn't met Harsin. In his third season, the results started to show. Those totals did not include any monies received from head football coaches for their football camps. This family, after all, has a close bond. On the night he scored his 1,000th career point, Jaiden Thompson is joined by (from left) his grandfather Nick Corry, his grandmother Phyllis Ann Faulker, his mother Keyna Ricks and his uncle Michael Ricks. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. Across the street, Swim teacher's life saved by couple's good timing, Woman dies in Friday night Tuscaloosa County crash, Golf cart-based taxi service Bama Ride in hot water with city. Thompson paused, realizing that that day had been his moment of clarity. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. Thomson 56. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. He even referenced the model set by former Cox Mill star Wendell Moore Jr., who led the Chargers to back-to-back state titles before going on to shine at Duke and become the first Cabarrus County-bred athlete to be chosen in the NBA Draft. "dfpConfig": { One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." But its worked out really great.. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. He felt he was on his way. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. Hey, what are your thoughts on this player? During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. That winter also is when I personally started to make my first close observations of Thompsons abilities. Ganus was part of a Thompson coaching staff that has won three straight 7A state championships from 2019-2021. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. Instructionally, what we do, its a huge win and a home run for us to bring someone in that is as quality and professional Trey is.. He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. When Etheridge visited in January, it was the first and only time we have communicated with Auburn. Vigor has two rising talents: junior defensive end Michael Towner and freshman offensive lineman Micha Debose. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,95765933/wvua23.com/football-friday&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1677958717&cust_params=category=Football%20Friday%2CHigh%20School%20Sports%2CSports&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvua23.com%2Foutside-the-huddle-thompson-high-school-head-coach-mark-freeman%2F&post=189033" I grew up playing a lot of sports. That season,. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television, Paul Bryant's McKanstry signs with Independence CC football, Gordo High School celebrates 2023 signing class, Former Hillcrest standout Brandon Bishop announces transfer to Liberty, Paul Bryant football introduces new head coach, Tuesday afternoon crash victim identified, Soldier, poet, or king? Copyright All rights reserved. It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. The answer to that is Freeman. Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. Im not choosing sides on Alabama-Auburn, Rigby says, but the most important recruiting trait to him is when a college coach visits even in those years when the high school doesnt have top-rated players. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. I played a lot, but there were politics and a lot of cliques going around the program, so it kind of broke my spirit a little bit. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Hey, it comes with the gig. Thompson dominated the Alabama high school football scene throughout 2020, posting a 13-0 record with an average margin of victory of 29 points per game. It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. But Johnson was confused that we just signed three defensive players to major universities, and only one of them had an Auburn offer. (Two went to Clemson; the other to Tennessee.) Main Number 331-228-3100 . He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. After National Signing Day, Harsin hadnot visited Montgomery Catholic, which is 50 minutes from Auburn. I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. The Alabaster City Schools website includes a tagline in cursive script that reads "Champions of our Future" on every page. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. How many games did Tommy Thompson play? I wrestled, I played baseball. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker poses for a photo with his four seniors: Gavin Bullock (30) Micah Murray (33) Adriel Miller (14) Elijah Ford (22) and Jaiden Thompson (3). I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. Jeff Ables. } } 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. Ryan Thorburn. To the benefit of high school football in the state, theyve stayed. station in the nations top 40 market where students and A lot of D-I people like him, some D-IIs. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . What I like to see is somebody who keeps coming by: Coach, I know you ain't got nothing for me this year, but tell me about who does have somebody for me. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. That's how much Friday's board meeting to approve Mark Freeman as the next football coach had already spiked interest in the Alabaster community. Its going to be scary.. Thompsons James L Simmons Stadium underwent a facelift for the 2014 season with press box improvements and new artificial turf. Harsin's message on the recruiting trail has been firm:Auburn wants a specific type of player who is ready to love football and meet his demanding standards. 90 nationally. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. CONCORD The thumping of the ball against the hardwood, the symphony of screeching sneaker rubber echoing throughout the gym used to be metaphors for Jaiden Thompsons heartbeat. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television Photographer Cecil Copeland has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship) containing 176 photos. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. Please subscribe to keep reading. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. The results are clear on the field but Alabaster City Schools Superintendent, Dr, Wayne Vickers believes Coach Freemans impact is just as prominent off the field. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. THS Athletics. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. History of High School Football in Alabama Coaches Project 2023 Head Coach changes New Topic Reply to Topic Printer Friendly: Previous Page: Author: Topic : Page: of 4: vvala45 New Forum Member. He knew it, not in a cocky way. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. Published 3:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. The years you dont have players, they dont know your name.. I know that theres a freshman that plays quarterback, and at the end of the day when I was a quarterback at Chelsea, I was not a quarterback I was just one of the best athletes on the team who could throw the ball OK. Thats something well look at as well. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. Website. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. Ty Branyon. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. Both are top-40 nationally. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. They all apply to the focused Thompson, who actually plays as hard on defense as he does when hes working magic with the ball in his hands. That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. Mostly, though, Thompson nurses his gift in rigorous practice sessions, has fun with his teammates, shows up on game night, and fills up a box score as the Vikings put opponents out of their misery. The towns high school, Thompson, isnt like many modern schools with similar high-profile football programs, like IMG Academy, Mater Dei or any number of private schools that annually compete for championships and pump out Division I prospects. The quintet started for the C.C. Thompson High School coach Mark Freeman said the 6-foot-2 Fegans almost tricks a quarterback into throwing the ball by purposefully making him think a receiver is open. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. Website. Actually, me and Gavin have been talking about this since we were little boys. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. So how did this high school team, about 66 miles from the University of Alabama campus in a town with a population of less than 35,000, rise of out of near obscurity to become one of the best high school football programs in the country and a burgeoning pipeline for the Crimson Tide? Saturdays game, a highly anticipated rematch of last seasons semifinals, will be played at McDowell High School in Marion at 3 p.m. You might even be able to hear Faulkner yelling words of support for her grandbaby, even in a gym packed with 3,700 other fans. He wanted to change the narrative.. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. Thats really what made me as a football player, and getting back to my roots like that was really enticing to me facilities are great, but I think people make the place, and I think the people here make this a special place.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 3,620 Followers. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. Have a long enough conversation with any coach in the region, and eventually off-the-record claims of impermissible recruiting against any number of schools will surface. Theres no tearing stuff down. It marks the second time in the last three seasons that the Eagles will be looking for a new head coach in the month of June as Simpson took over the job from Zow in June 2019. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! 7 recruits played at Thompson. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. "I think every team wants to win. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. Try a week on us. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. electronic communication and community service. . The Bessemer Academy and Alabama graduate has coached 16 seasons of high school football in Alabama and his teams have played for the state championship in eight of those. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. Its miracle win to bring another state. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. ALABASTER, Alabama -- A member of the central office staff at Alabaster City Schools looked around the school board room at the Alabaster Municipal Building Friday afternoon. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Thompson Football Documents. Bowie Football Coaching Staff. Hes got what the kids call bounce.. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. Those were the things that helped bring him solace as he was dealing with his frustration. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. He ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. us to complete every school. He took his time, did his research, seemed to flirt with Clemson and ended up back at the beginning this summer, committing to Alabama again on July 8. Defensive lineman Peter Woods and cornerback Tony Mitchell are uncommitted five-star 2023 recruits with offers from the Crimson Tide, among many other high-profile schools. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. Im a finesse cornerback even though I can hit, Fegans said. He will also receive a supplement of $30,909.20 as head football coach and another $30,909.20 as the athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. His girls basketball team made the playoffs from 2006-08, and his boys basketball team was state champion in 2008 and made the play-offs seven seasons. His uncle and role model, former Central Cabarrus football standout Michael Ricks, had a lot to do with that, coaching Thompson on his Concord Comets team and putting him through drills like dribbling with a tennis ball to improve his ball-handling.