Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. 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.) My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. Please subscribe to keep reading. Salary: Tony Gaines Show More Show Less 5 of 93. That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. Harsin's son plays for Auburn High. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. Faulkner had been helping take care of Jaiden since he was yay high, back when he and his mother, Keyna Ricks, first moved back to Concord after a stint in Charlotte. The top 25 class of 2023 football recruits - USA TODAY High School Sports Auburn hadn't signed an Auburn High School player since 2009, but Harsin landed offensive lineman Eston Harris Jr. and linebacker Powell Gordon in 2022. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. 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. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. Buildings are filling up. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. It pisses us off, Alexander said. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. Thompson Tough: Ogden High football coach leading team while battling 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? Hoover once had an infamous television show, Two-A-Days, document its football program and has won 13 state championships. THS TV allows students the opportunity to work in all areas of production, including behind-the-scenes and on-camera for news programs, our "Hey Coach" show, live sports events such as football games, and other sports and entertainment programming. He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Steven Hoffmann High School Teacher / Asst Football & Powerlifting Coach. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. 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. The season before he arrived, the Warriors finished with an 0-10 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. Calera searching for new football coach after Simpson leaves for Thompson Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. Ive just been working like crazy since then. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. 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. Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! Coach Kirk Johnson has handled the football teams recruiting for a number of years, developing ties at Auburn. All rights reserved (About Us). That's what Freeman's glowing resume is expected to bring. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Hes a five-star rated prospect and the No. Thompson High School (Alabaster, AL) Varsity Football - MaxPreps.com Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. In another, it makes perfect sense. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. In the spring of 1978, Dodge's freshman year at Jefferson, the school hired a new coach, former Yellow Jacket Ronnie Thompson, to restore some pride in the football team. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. I watched him in the Gadsden City game. Email Brandon Graves. Things have been up and down, kind of like a roller coaster. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Youre going to be writing about him.. Whatever that it is and wherever it takes him. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. And for that to actually happen? "I think every team wants to win. Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. Freeman resigned from his position after four very successful years at Spanish Fort and the Alabaster board quickly moved to approve that personnel action with no discussion. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Photographer Kenny Grimes has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final) containing 104 photos. We have chosen to publish this information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting us to complete every school. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. But in the fall, while it was hard for people who only knew Thompson as the top-notch ballplayer and smart, all-around good guy to tell the difference when he was on the court, one visitor to a Central preseason game could easily notice: his grandma, Phyllis Ann Faulkner. Alabama's new backyard recruiting pipeline: How Thompson High School The TV & Film Academy is also the home of THS TV, Thompson High School's student-run newscast. 27. 3,620 Followers. Cornel Thompson, who led West Orange-Stark to four state championship games and won two of them, told . The board approved him through a solitary personnel action. How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. With his wife already a little miffed at him from moving away from Gulf Shores, Freeman didnt have any thoughts of leaving Spanish Fort for another high school job. He wanted to change the narrative.. Gardendale coach Chad Eads is another multi-decade coaching veteran who has seen all kinds of things that I didn't like and things I wish they wouldn't say. But he was impressed with Harsin when he and a few assistants visited recently. And Updates from all around. 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. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. Ty Branyon. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. But these next two weekends have special meaning. Television Production Academy / TV & Film Home - Alabaster City Schools Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. 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. Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning headlines the class of 2023 as the No. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. The Alabaster City Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in any of its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. That both programs are in the Birmingham metro area is a feather in the cap for the Crimson Tide football program, which is just a short ride away. The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. All rights reserved (About Us). Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. 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. Simpson spent the previous two years coaching the Eagles after taking over for Andrew Zow ahead of the 2019 season. Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. Weve been talking about that for so long. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Rigby hasn't met Harsin. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. 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. Thompson's Mark Freeman hire elevates salary scale for Class 7A, Region var field59 = field59 || {}; Football Coaches High School Season Job San Rafael California USA 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. THS Athletics. field59.ipo = { Coach: Todd Thompson. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. Tommy Thompson weighed 192 lbs (87 kg) when playing. Despite its relatively new facilities a new high school opened in 2018 at 360,000 square feet at a cost of $88 million one wouldnt describe Alabaster as fancy. The answer to that is Freeman. Thompson . Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. 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. Theyll offer that kid early. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. His grandma, of course, will be with his grandpa, his mother and his uncle cheering Thompson on, hopefully for the next two weekends. 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. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. But everybody is just on hold with a lot of these very good high school players. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. 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. But by the fall of his senior season, there he was in that preseason game, with his grandma staring from the bleachers, disappointed but mostly concerned. I think he wanted to have what he had at Boise, at Auburn, Higgins said. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. That's the predominately Birmingham-based region in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's largest playing classification. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. I wrestled, I played baseball. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. 19) in over a decade. . 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. 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. Itll be an RPO, air-raid type system so we do need somebody that can spit the ball out and thats something well have to find in the program or in the hallways.. He knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. To the benefit of high school football in the state, theyve stayed. 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. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. He has not met Harsin. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. Thompson smiled as he recalled the encounter and warned, My grandma, she has a way with words. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. To borrow some real estate phrasing its seems that the ultimate in "curb appeal" for a high school and its community is to have a high-profile head football coach that commands a top salary. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 27 min ago. 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. 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.. Please try a new search. People were telling me, You need to transfer. Thompson high school-Miracle Win-Class 7A Championship-Alabama football So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. Some names on that C.C. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. He knew it, not in a cocky way. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. In the 2022 class, the state's No. 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. Email Steven Hoffmann. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. With three five-stars prospects and a four-star, Thompson has put together a defense that is nearly impenetrable. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. He was THAT good. records may be incomplete. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. Try a week on us. Several high school coachessaid college coaches often don't do a sufficient job preparing players for the grind during recruitment, which leads to athletes being blindsided and more likely to leave. Tommy Thompson (soccer) - Wikipedia This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. 3) is the one you need to watch! His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. The years you dont have players, they dont know your name.. Sep 17 2015. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. This fall, the Warriors completed a 9-1 regular season and are slated to start the state playoffs Friday against Florence. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. Katy ISD. 1 and No. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. Outside The Huddle: Thompson High School Head Coach Mark Freeman You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? 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 High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. 90 nationally. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . Its so rewarding what we deal with. 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.. And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. 197 Posts. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. I was always that guy growing up that you could negative motivate me. Actually, me and Gavin have been talking about this since we were little boys. That defeat still rings in the ears of the team, especially the defense, which isnt accustomed to teams crossing the goal line once, never mind how many times Hoover did. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. 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. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: Central Cabarrus' Thompson fulfilling his Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. Some Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . I can work as good as anybody, Freeman said. Baker said a player of Thompsons level likely wouldve already been scooped up in the past. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. 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. "I've been around a lot of coaches, and he may be one of the most competitive guys I've talked to as far aswhat he expects," Keith Etheredge said. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. Others said the bare minimum is to have made that a top priority by now. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? Valid CPR and First Aid, TB Test, Fingerprint Process, NFHS online coaching certificates; Heat Illness Prevention. electronic communication and community service. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. School board meetings don't go quite like this in Alabaster. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice. Ryan Thorburn. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. There is no lack of challenge or ego in the region. Both coaches compete in Class 7A, Region 3. Our offense will be spread, tempo. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. How can we make Moody more successful. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. This year, despite losing star quarterback Tyler Johnstonto a knee injury in Week 5, Spanish Fort went 12-2 and reached the Class 6A state semifinals before losing to Saraland. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Brandon Graves Elementary Teacher / Head Baseball & Asst Football Coach. Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. You have permission to edit this article. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. Main Number 331-228-3100 . BRYAN HARSIN:'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, AUBURN BASKETBALL:I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando, Montgomery Catholic Prep is another school with consistent talent. 0:36. 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. Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His father, Fred, is a legendary figure in Utah high school athletics, having coached at Roy High School for 19 years, followed by a six-year stint at Fremont. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. It had been to the playoffs only three times this century, even though a team only needs to finish in the top four in its region to qualify. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. Part of it, Thompson admits, was residue from the game of college recruiting. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. 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. 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. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. 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).