That facility will also come with a new football stadium. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. 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. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. In the 2022 class, the state's No. That's the predominately Birmingham-based region in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's largest playing classification. 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. Cornel Thompson, who led West Orange-Stark to four state championship games and won two of them, told . She said, What are you going to do about it?. After that, everything just clicked. He wanted to change the narrative.. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson said. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. 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. (Photo of Jeremiah Alexander: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. And it was Bethel who introduced him to the Vertimax, a machine designed to improve jumping ability. 19) in over a decade. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster He spent a lot of time here talking, and he didn't have to do that. Alabaster City Schools approved Freeman as the new head football coach at Thompson on Friday. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker struggles to find a fault in the 6-foot-1 Thompsons game, but if he had to nick-pick, its that hed like the low-key guard to be more vocal on the floor. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. OK, I was a lot alarmed. 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. In the first game of his junior year, Thompsons spirit got some much-needed jumper cables in the form of a game in which he scored 23 points in just three quarters of action. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. Katy ISD. Highland Home has been a revolving door of head coaches visiting Faulk, including Tennessees Josh Heupel. Following the 2020-21 school year, Thompson was even named Teacher of the Year for the Ogden School District. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. 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. Whether or not thats a serious concern varies depending on the coach. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. I said, Im going to go get it. He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. Hes been involved in multiple sports arenas as far as coaching goes, but hes also shown success in athletic administration. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. Higgins said Harsins message was an eye-opening experience for Mars Hill players about the rigors of college football: He was very adamant on: This is going to take some time. 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.) Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. He was good. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. Thompson played one year of college soccer at Indiana University where he scored five goals and one assist in 12 matches and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2013, before signing a Homegrown Player contract with San Jose Earthquakes on March 14, 2014.. Thompson made his professional debut on June 7, 2014 as an 89th-minute substitute in a 0-1 loss to Toronto FC. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. Its very much a blue-collar, working-class community. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. It seemed it would be a Herculean task. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. "dfpConfig": { Baker said a player of Thompsons level likely wouldve already been scooped up in the past. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. 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. Buildings are filling up. We have chosen to publish this Faulkners first grandbaby, Thompson was, in many ways, HER heartbeat. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. Both coaches compete in Class 7A, Region 3. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. Job Summary. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? Jaiden Thompson (3) leaving it all on the court. The first-year coach Roderick Thompson of Anderson High School has had quite a journey to be a first-year head coach in high school. field59.ipo = { Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. 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. No matter how bad the Vikings had been before his arrival. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. 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. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. Some names on that C.C. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Funny how hard work works. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Harsin's son plays for Auburn High. Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: Central Cabarrus Thompson fulfilling his promise in more ways than one. The quintet started. The more kids that get on campus, you're going to see him put his stamp on the type of kids he wants to recruit.". Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Bowie High School Football Search. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. us to complete every school. Rigby hasn't met Harsin. The only time Johnson had met Harsin was during a FaceTime with Etheridge, during which the assistant coach briefly put Harsin on the phone. Both are top-40 nationally. 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? They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. Im going to make you a promise. I made my grandma a promise that I was going to do whatever it takes to get what I needed. 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 ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. THS Athletics. Tommy Thompson was born in Hutchinson, KS. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. 1 and No. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. Thompson coach Mark Freeman sent Hardy, who had missed an extra point in the first quarter, back on the field for a game-winning 35-yard goal try with four seconds remaining. Taylor High School. School board meetings don't go quite like this in Alabaster. Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. When Ed Rigby coached junior college football in Mississippi, a colleague told him an essential truth about recruiting that has stuck with him through his three decades in the industry: In the years that you have players, you are everybodys best friend. 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. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. 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. The great thing is that Thompson has found peace in it all. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. 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.. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. Coach: Todd Thompson. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. Tweets & replies. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. The board approved him through a solitary personnel action. Coach John Roderique started his head coaching career for Webb City High School in 1997, taking over from Kurt Thompson, who accepted the head coach position at Coffeyville . Calera High School is searching for a new football coach after former head coach Trey Simpson recently joined Alabaster City Schools and Thompson High School. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! 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. He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. CIF Fundamentals of Coaching (Information provided by district). Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest "turnaround". Photographer Cecil Copeland has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship) containing 176 photos. And if when that actually comes to fruition? Tommy Thompson was 6-1 (185 cm) tall. During his time with the Eagles, he helped the baseball program reach the quarterfinals of the playoffs in 2018 and then started to turn the football program around the previous two seasons in the 6A classification. Email Brandon Graves. Email Rylan Gerber. Fegans is among Alabamas latest commitments, going public last month after decommitting from Miami. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." 0. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. 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. He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. Search. Jesuit head coach Matt Thompson was honored Thursday (Sept. 17) at One Buc Place as the Bucs' "Coach of the Week." Thompson earned the honor following Jesuit . If I'm the head coach at any college, thats the first thing I would do: Win the battle in your backyard which is hard to do vs. Alabama, Rigby said. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". 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. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. Ty Branyon. Going into Saturdays Class 3A state semifinal game against West Charlotte, he was averaging team bests of 19.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 steals for the Vikings, the 23rd-ranked team in the nation. He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. Twenty-four (Thompsons jersey number as a freshman before he switched to his current No. Some Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. 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. Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. Football Coach jobs Tennis Coach jobs Camp Director jobs Head Football Coach jobs . The top spot belonged to . But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. Alexander is locked in with the Crimson Tide for the second time. 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. 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. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. BP Brandon Petersen Team 8-2 - Social Studies. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? Thompson Football Documents. 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. 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. 197 Posts. How many games did Tommy Thompson play? The list can go on and on because Hoover and Niblett, like their counterparts Freeman and Thompson, take their football seriously. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. The answer to that is Freeman. 3,620 Followers. But to be honest, there was a stretch when Thompsons light on the court had dimmed. Reed made such a positiveimpact that the Auburn alum was promoted this week to director of recruiting relations, adding to Harsin's arsenal. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. WEBB CITY, Mo. Assistant Football Coach at Thompson Valley High School Loveland, Colorado, United States. Sure, its great. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. He was THAT good. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. You know Peter is going to be back there somewhere. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. Ive just been working like crazy since then. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Hes rare. electronic communication and community service. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. 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. He has not met Harsin. 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. 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. 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. Alabama High School Football Head Coaches Mark Freeman Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season. var field59 = field59 || {}; It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. Hoover once had an infamous television show, Two-A-Days, document its football program and has won 13 state championships. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. So if everybody took two players at the Apps and East Carolinas and Wilmingtons and all that, a lot of kids get to go play. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. You trust your evaluation of kids. 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. But these next two weekends have special meaning. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. Tournament Game. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. Hey, it comes with the gig. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? Eads appreciated Harsin asking for ideas and advice about organizing a coaching clinic. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. 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.. How tall was Tommy Thompson? Theyll offer that kid early. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. 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. 6 recruits in the states 2023 class attend Carver: defensive lineman James Smith and edge Jaquavious Russaw. In another, it makes perfect sense. You dont work out anymore.. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. Griffin Middle School squad. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. Weve been talking about that for so long. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. Coming back here and kind of turning this program around was a big thing for me.. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. Its home for me. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Jeff Ables. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. That type of concentrated talent may be just another season at a program like IMG Academy, but its not common at a public school like Thompson, which produced a total of one four- or five-star recruit in the past decade current Alabama offensive lineman Amari Kight, a four-star recruit in 2019. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. Alabaster is the 16th largest city in the state, but its high school is home to more than 2,000 students with the population growing over the past couple of decades. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. One Division-I school, Western Carolina, had confirmed as much when it offered him a scholarship after his freshman season. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. Hey, you played so-and-so, tell me about him., "Those are the guys you develop that relationship with, that when the chips are down, you need a little help, need a little bump, theyll help you out., Rigby said newly-hired Troy coach Jon Sumrall has made it his goal to go visit every high school, to walk through the doors of every high school in Alabama.