And the whole country has been here, pretty much., Gardner, whos entering his second year at Carver, said he and Harsin talked about their common experiences in new jobs. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. There are now five coaches in Class 7A, Region 3 that pay their head football coach a combined salary of more than $100,000 per season. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. 3,620 Followers. But he knew it. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. He knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. Its almost a collective awe that funnels out when his teammates describe Woods. I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. Its been fun to watch his shoulders broaden, his game become more dominant, and his leaping ability take on an Olympic high jumper-like quality. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. Before the early signing period, support staffer Trovon Reed was allowed to do hands-on recruiting because Auburn had a coaching opening; the NCAA restricts the number of assistants who can make home visits, but Harsin fired offensive coordinator Mike Bobo after the regular season. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. 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. 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. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. Website. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. Contact Us. He will receive a salary package as a teacher, football coach and system athletics director that will pay him $121,000 annually. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. And if when that actually comes to fruition? Brandon Graves Elementary Teacher / Head Baseball & Asst Football Coach. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. Even though none of Shades players had an offer from Auburn during the last recruiting cycle, Harsin was trying to make a visit before getting sidetracked. You cant describe him, Alexander said. Thompson . Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. The Freeman and Floyd hirings have signaled a new era in Alabama high school football. records may be incomplete. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. Assistant Football Coach at Thompson Valley High School Loveland, Colorado, United States. 0:36. Watch this highlight video of the Thompson (Alabaster, AL) football team in its game Lipscomb Academy on Aug 27, 2022 All Contest Videos Box Score Jan 31, 2023 @ 5:51pm 5-star DB Anquon Fegans | 2022 Highlights Sophomore season highlights of Thompson's (Alabaster, AL) 5-star safety Anquon Fegans. Freeman had a tremendous run in the private school ranks in Alabama Independent School Association football at Bessemer Academy before he moved to Alabama High School Athletic Association public football. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. We weren't able to find anything that matched your search criteria. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Griffin Middle School squad. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A, Photos: Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final), Photos: Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship). While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. 90 nationally. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Ganus was part of a Thompson coaching staff that has won three straight 7A state championships from 2019-2021. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Simpson spent the previous two years coaching the Eagles after taking over for Andrew Zow ahead of the 2019 season. The outworkem all came. I think Auburn has to make a decision: Do you want to continue to battle Georgia and Bama guys in recruiting, or do they want to just go find really good high school players and build their name off that? That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. In another, it makes perfect sense. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. Sure, its great. That's the predominately Birmingham-based region in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's largest playing classification. My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. 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.. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. 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.. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. Thats huge. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. New Orleans (La.) Higgins was impressed. He felt he was on his way. "It is going to be special.". Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? Brown, Newsome announces retirement as coach, C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: A Vikings program thats been great the past 2 years looks ready to take next step, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, A Pig Deal: Cannon Ballers changing the name, Cabarrus Sheriffs Office makes major drug bust with cocaine, fentanyl, cash seized, Bojangles offering fish sandwich during Lent, Concord man sentenced to 10 years for fentanyl and firearm offenses, Elizabeth Holmes gives birth to second child while seeking to further delay imprisonment, BOYS BASKETBALL: Ball doesnt bounce Concord Academys way in NCISAA 3A finals defeat to Greensboro Day, WeBuild buys historic Concord church for affordable housing, mixed use, Friday Five: New brewery, downtown streetscape and Barber-Scotia update. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. 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. You could have one bad game, and you kind of, like, judge yourself, and you ask yourself, Is this really what I want to do?, It would bring my confidence down. The Tigers did not add anybody to their 2022 class on National Signing Day earlier this month. I think he wanted to have what he had at Boise, at Auburn, Higgins said. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. I was like, Yeah, I can really do this, if I put my mind to it, Thompson recalled. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. But that foundation is there. You dont work out anymore.. Website. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M The only time Johnson had met Harsin was during a FaceTime with Etheridge, during which the assistant coach briefly put Harsin on the phone. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. 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. (Photo of Jeremiah Alexander: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). Hes rare. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. Ty Branyon. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. 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. The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. Something wasnt right with the young workout fiend she used to know, the kid who was either living in the gym or dying to get there. The coaching part of it? 6 recruits in the states 2023 class attend Carver: defensive lineman James Smith and edge Jaquavious Russaw. With one of the states largest high school athletic programs at the Class 7A level, Hester said it would be beneficial for the school in many ways. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. I watched him in the Gadsden City game. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. The quintet started. var field59 = field59 || {}; Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. 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. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? Well, thats going to be some moment. Hes been involved in multiple sports arenas as far as coaching goes, but hes also shown success in athletic administration. He spent a lot of time here talking, and he didn't have to do that. There are now five. This family, after all, has a close bond. His focus right now is getting past West Charlotte, into the state title game, and then coasting back down the interstate with a championship medal around his neck. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. The Alabaster City Schools website includes a tagline in cursive script that reads "Champions of our Future" on every page. She said, What are you going to do about it?. Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. 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. "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" Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. 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. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. So I just feel like when we let someone score, its bad.. He knew then-Central upperclassmen Christian Cornish and Dajon Johnson well. Thompson was beside himself. 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? 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. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. Its going to be scary.. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. Career. No JV for you, rookie. I grew up playing a lot of sports. During a salary survey this spring of all Metro schools, Alabaster City Schools reported that former coach Mike Montgomery was given an annual salary through all supplements of $72,857.50 for this season. 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. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. 7 recruits played at Thompson. While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. Search. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. It pisses us off, Alexander said. In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300. I really dont. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson said. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. How can we make Moody more successful. Both are top-40 nationally. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. Knowledge of sport. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. New Auburn defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh has already been around at Highland Home, where defensive end Keldric Faulk is a top-100 recruit who attended Auburns recent junior day. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. Were like a family. Valid CPR and First Aid, TB Test, Fingerprint Process, NFHS online coaching certificates; Heat Illness Prevention. 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. 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. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. The 2023 class is even better, led by two five-stars: Cornerback Tony Mitchell (No. So, again, the question must be answered: How did a team that went 0-10 before Freemans arrival and hadnt had a winning season since 2006 turn into a showcase national program? Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The Warriors havent won as many as 10 games in a season since 1987. We have chosen to publish this information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting us to complete every school. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). People were telling me, You need to transfer. You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? As does Thompson now. Main Number 331-228-3100 . Ed Rigby out of Pike Road: Page: of 4: Topic : In 2023, the state has 11 of the top 100. 3) is the one you need to watch! 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. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. THS Athletics. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. And, yes, I went on to write about him. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. Eads appreciated Harsin asking for ideas and advice about organizing a coaching clinic. The TV & Film Academy is also the home of THS TV, Thompson High School's student-run newscast. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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. How much did Tommy Thompson weigh when playing? KANNAPOLIS After walking into town 12 years ago and leaving his footprint at one of the most highly regarded programs in Cabarrus County, Mi, CONCORD They draw fans to the storied gym in droves, as if the Charlotte Hornets the original Kelly Tripucka-in-the-Charlotte-Coliseum Hor. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. Photographer Cecil Copeland has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship) containing 176 photos. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. Where I went to high school was very similar in terms of enrollment, in terms of size and size of the community and facilities. Its miracle win to bring another state. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. Ive just been working like crazy since then. Head coach Lee Gibson makes a little less than half of what Floyd and Freeman do even when all of his teacher salary and supplement stipends are added up. That winter also is when I personally started to make my first close observations of Thompsons abilities. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. 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? What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. Email Brandon Graves. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. I wrestled, I played baseball. How tall was Tommy Thompson? Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. Highland Home has been a revolving door of head coaches visiting Faulk, including Tennessees Josh Heupel.
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