That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. You dont work out anymore.. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. 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. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. Both are top-40 nationally. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. 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. 40 area players named: Full ASWA all-state teams list To end another memorable season of high school football in the area, 40 players in East Alabama were recognized when Alabama Sports. Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. I think hed still be sitting there talking if I didnt have to get up and go work my kids out, Higgins said. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. 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. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. Job Summary. Thompson was a critical reason the Vikings went unbeaten in the South Piedmont 3A Conference for the third year in a row. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. 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. Email Brandon Graves. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. I really dont. Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach, 'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando. 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. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. Now, hell join ACS and Thompson High School in an athletic administrative role alongside athletic director Vincent Pitts and others in the department, while also continuing his role as a special education teacher. Success is here.". Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. I know that theres a freshman that plays quarterback, and at the end of the day when I was a quarterback at Chelsea, I was not a quarterback I was just one of the best athletes on the team who could throw the ball OK. Thats something well look at as well. I cant wait to see him play next year. 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. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. Thomson 56. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. Theyll offer that kid early. 258 Following. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 27 min ago. Last years team started 3-2 and finished 3-7, but lost four games by eight points or less to talented playoff teams. Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. 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. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. The current defense has shut out five of its 10 regular-season opponents and held nine to fewer than 10 points. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. We have chosen to publish this information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting us to complete every school. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. Words wouldnt be able to explain that moment.. Eads and former Pinson Valley coach Sam Shade (now at Miles College) were among the high school coaches who met Harsin at a seven-on-seven camp in summer 2021. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. 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.". 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. But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. 7 recruits played at Thompson. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. You can cancel at any time. 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). OK, I was a lot alarmed. But that foundation is there. Now, theyre recruiting the freakish athlete. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. Hoover recently snapped Thompsons 27-game winning streak, and the two seem to be on a collision course to meet in the playoffs this season too. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . His bloodlines are pretty good too, with his older brother Antwon at Arkansas State and his younger brother Anquon, a class of 2025 recruit, already holding offers from Florida, Georgia and Miami, among others. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. Buildings are filling up. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. 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. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. 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. His overall record in 16 years of coaching is 164-37, including a 30-8 playoff mark. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. } } Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Its home for me. He was good. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. 3) is the one you need to watch! Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Thats huge. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. 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. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! 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. University of Northern Colorado . Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . I watched him in the Gadsden City game. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. As does Thompson now. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. 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. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. Ive just been working like crazy since then. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. The answer to that is Freeman. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. 7 recruits played at Thompson. If you look at where Jaiden is ranked in his class, in the top 30 or so in North Carolina, normally the top 50 or 60 kids end up with a Division I offer, Baker explained. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. THS Athletics. 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. Alabaster City Schools approved Freeman as the new head football coach at Thompson on Friday. What more were we going to do at Spanish Fort? Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018. Following the 2020-21 school year, Thompson was even named Teacher of the Year for the Ogden School District. Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson said. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. 56-38 (W) Thomson @ South Atlanta. Ty Branyon. 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. 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? Ganus was part of a Thompson coaching staff that has won three straight 7A state championships from 2019-2021. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. 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. 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. Harsin has a golden opportunity to rebound: The upcoming 2023 talent pool in Alabama is the states deepest and most top-heavy of this century. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. 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. Football Coach jobs Tennis Coach jobs Camp Director jobs Head Football Coach jobs . Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. 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 Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. You trust your evaluation of kids. Twenty-four (Thompsons jersey number as a freshman before he switched to his current No. 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. The Bessemer Academy and Alabama graduate has coached 16 seasons of high school football in Alabama and his teams have played for the state championship in eight of those. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. 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.. 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. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. 1 and No. Salary: Tony Gaines Show More Show Less 5 of 93. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. 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. He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. 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 . On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. 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. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. I look forward to things to come. Griffin starting five might sound familiar to Central Cabarrus fans: Gavin Bullock, Adriel Miller, Eli Ford and Micah Murray. The last time I checked, back when I was at Catawba, we had 33 schools in North Carolina that were offering D-I and D-II scholarships. Top Coach. 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. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. Jaiden Thompson looks to make a pass during his freshman season. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. Search. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Experience: 38 years Education: University of Texas Assignment: Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Wife: Teresa Children: Abby, Kate Phone: 512-414-0528 Email: jeff.ables@austinisd.org. Thompson paused, realizing that that day had been his moment of clarity. One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." Thompsons Jake Ganus hired as Moody football coach, Two individuals sentenced for kidnapping 3-year-old Kamille Cupcake McKinney, resulting in her death, Inmate of City of Birmingham Jail pronounced dead, found by fellow inmate, Finalists for Trussville BOE seat announced, Pinson council presents $60,000 check to schools, Springville softball blow out Pelham, continue dominant season, Obituary: Myra Carroll (August 22, 1937 February 23, 2023), Obituary: Sherry Webster Zorn (August 21, 1948 February 22, 2023), Trussville teen uses platform to build beds for children in need. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. The meeting was adjourned quickly and the head coach was brought in to welcome him into the chamber. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. Ive made a living off of beating a lot of four- and five-star kids with guys like you., Its awesome for a kid to get to hear that, Etheredge said. When Harsin visited Mars Hill, he was targeting three-star offensive lineman Koby Keenum, who playsa position of priority for Auburns 2023 class. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. "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" After graduation, he coached at various high schools. He has an offer right now, but he doesnt have that ONE. You have permission to edit this article. Please subscribe to keep reading. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. Contact Us. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. The great thing is that Thompson has found peace in it all. Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. 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. When I was principal at Montevallo, I appointed him as athletic director there because of his potential.. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. No, we got a great person, Vickers said. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. All rights reserved (About Us). 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.. 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. Theyve got a great group of young players coming back.. Steven Hoffmann High School Teacher / Asst Football & Powerlifting Coach. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. The quintet started. us to complete every school. I would be real timid the next game and not be aggressive and show what I could actually do.. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. 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. 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. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary.
Poway High School Staff,
Candy Pangilinan And Kiko Pangilinan Siblings,
Articles T
