That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. Tournament Game. Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. He has not met Harsin. 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. Cornel Thompson, who led West Orange-Stark to four state championship games and won two of them, told . 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. Simpson spent the previous two years coaching the Eagles after taking over for Andrew Zow ahead of the 2019 season. WEBB CITY, Mo. 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. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. And she could see right through him. 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. ", Before Wade Waldrop became Hoovers coach recently, he coached five-star cornerback Jahlil Hurley at Florence. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. 27. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. Top Coach. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. Youll find exponentially more 4X4 pickup trucks than Mercedes-Benz. "I think every team wants to win. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. Jeff Ables. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. One of Harsin's strategies in that regard has been emphasis onlocal recruiting. He said Alabama assistant Sal Sunseri visited our school at least once per week when time was permitted., Another prominent coach in Alabama who spoke on condition of anonymity, when asked the biggest difference between Alabama and Auburn, had a simple response: Coach Saban has come by and spent up to an hour visiting with us. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. University of Northern Colorado . Im a finesse cornerback even though I can hit, Fegans said. } } 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. 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. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. Rigby hasn't met Harsin. An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. In Freemans first two seasons, Thompson finished with a 5-5 record. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. 197 Posts. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning headlines the class of 2023 as the No. Id say Im athletic, Alexander said. Its so rewarding what we deal with. Carver High School in Montgomery. 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. The meeting was adjourned quickly and the head coach was brought in to welcome him into the chamber. 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). Alabaster City Schools is planning a new high school that should be open in less than three years. 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. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. Ive just been working like crazy since then. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. 19) in over a decade. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. Media. Griffin Middle School squad. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. I think thats just kind of the bridge or the gray area theyre going to have to face here soon: Youre not Bama, and youre not Georgia. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. 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. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). After graduation, he coached at various high schools. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Whenever the grammar-school-aged Thompson was feeling overwhelmed, it was as if he could click the heels of his Air Jordans together, chant Theres no place like home, and be transported to anywhere a rim hung. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. He may make a turnover or take a bad shot or something like that, but with him, you dont have to coach effort.. The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. Its home for me. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. School board meetings don't go quite like this in Alabaster. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson said. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. 1 and No. But this transfer portal has really hurt a kid like Jaiden because the decision for these college coaches is, Do I take a high school kid, or do I wait and see if I can find somebody in the portal that may have played at a little bit lower level but the kid is averaging seven points and four rebounds and has a year of experience under him? This whole portal thing, I think, has hurt the true high school kid.. 56-38 (W) Thomson @ South Atlanta. In 2023, the state has 11 of the top 100. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Alabaster City Schools approved Freeman as the new head football coach at Thompson on Friday. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. OK, I was a lot alarmed. Success is here.". 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. We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. Hes ranked No. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. The current defense has shut out five of its 10 regular-season opponents and held nine to fewer than 10 points. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. 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 won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. . 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. . I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. You have permission to edit this article. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. 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. In another, it makes perfect sense. And save for his first year with Concord Parks and Rec, when he scored a basket in the opposing teams hoop, he was good, too. He will receive a salary package as a teacher, football coach and system athletics director that will pay him $121,000 annually. resigned from his position after four very successful years, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. 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. Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . I said, Im going to go get it. 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. Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. 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? It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). The 27 . Coming back here and kind of turning this program around was a big thing for me.. In his third season, the results started to show. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? 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.. I was like, Yeah, I can really do this, if I put my mind to it, Thompson recalled. 0:36. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M Football. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. 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 . For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. The board approved him through a solitary personnel action. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. His grandma, of course, will be with his grandpa, his mother and his uncle cheering Thompson on, hopefully for the next two weekends. Try a week on us. Eason is at Clemson now. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. 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. Fegans is among Alabamas latest commitments, going public last month after decommitting from Miami. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. Tweets & replies. 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. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. 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. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. 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. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. Hey, it comes with the gig. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. 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. Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. Sure, its great. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Things started off good for him the summer before his freshman year at Central. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. The quintet started. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. station in the nations top 40 market where students and BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. How can we make Moody more successful. The top spot belonged to . Thompson . Career. I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. 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. San Rafael football is in search of a Junior Varsity Head Coach, Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator, Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and Varsity Linebackers coach. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Our offense will be spread, tempo. He felt he was on his way. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. 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. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Visit our website for info. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. Well, thats going to be some moment. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. Job Summary. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. BP Brandon Petersen Team 8-2 - Social Studies. 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. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. Hoover once had an infamous television show, Two-A-Days, document its football program and has won 13 state championships. 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? 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. Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. Higgins was impressed. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. Search. The Alabaster City Schools website includes a tagline in cursive script that reads "Champions of our Future" on every page. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. Man died Wednesday. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. field59.ipo = { To the benefit of high school football in the state, theyve stayed. We had the opportunity to bring him in here, and he was interested in getting into athletics administration working closely with coach Pitts, Hester said. The No. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. 3) is the one you need to watch! Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. . electronic communication and community service. Thompson was a critical reason the Vikings went unbeaten in the South Piedmont 3A Conference for the third year in a row. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season.