She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. THS Athletics (@athletics_ths) / Twitter It pisses us off, Alexander said. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. 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. SE Texas honors most accomplished high school FB coach I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. And for that to actually happen? Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. Job Summary. It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. Success is here.". How tall was Tommy Thompson? Youre going to be writing about him.. 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. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice. "I've been around a lot of coaches, and he may be one of the most competitive guys I've talked to as far aswhat he expects," Keith Etheredge said. We have chosen to publish this Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. How many games did Tommy Thompson play? He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. But that foundation is there. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. Id say Im athletic, Alexander said. Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? And Updates from all around. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. 27. us to complete every school. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. 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. 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. 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. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. 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. OK, I was a lot alarmed. Soccer Shots Sacramento North hiring Youth Soccer Coach in Citrus 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. Jeff Ables. Website. Its obviously different, but honestly thats what drew me to Moody from Thompson, Ganus said, because of where Im from and where I played at Chelsea. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. 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 . Thats the altitude Thompson has currently reached with its run of impressive athletes, which also includes three-star quarterback Conner Harrell, who is committed to North Carolina. 197 Posts. And, yes, I went on to write about him. Katy ISD. "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" I watched him in the Gadsden City game. Tweets & replies. To me it made a lot of sense. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. Football. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? 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. Faulkner had been helping take care of Jaiden since he was yay high, back when he and his mother, Keyna Ricks, first moved back to Concord after a stint in Charlotte. Tournament Game. All rights reserved. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. "I think every team wants to win. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. But he knew it. There are now five. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. Theyve got a great group of young players coming back.. He knew it, not in a cocky way. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. 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. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. 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. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. 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. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. To borrow some real estate phrasing its seems that the ultimate in "curb appeal" for a high school and its community is to have a high-profile head football coach that commands a top salary. Actually, me and Gavin have been talking about this since we were little boys. 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. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. Carver High School in Montgomery. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! 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. BP Brandon Petersen Team 8-2 - Social Studies. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. 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. 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. With three five-stars prospects and a four-star, Thompson has put together a defense that is nearly impenetrable. The TV & Film Academy is also the home of THS TV, Thompson High School's student-run newscast. Bowie Football Coaching Staff. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. Wallace is expected to transfer. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. I played a lot, but there were politics and a lot of cliques going around the program, so it kind of broke my spirit a little bit. AHSFHS.org - Alabama High School Football Coaches You cant describe him, Alexander said. Thompson's Mark Freeman hire elevates salary scale for Class 7A, Region 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. "dfpConfig": { Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. 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. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. One of Harsin's strategies in that regard has been emphasis onlocal recruiting. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. 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. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. He wanted to change the narrative.. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Todd Maulden/Special to the Independent Tribune, Friday Five: New barbecue restaurant, apartment dwellers and updates, HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: After leaving his mark at storied A.L. Steven Hoffmann High School Teacher / Asst Football & Powerlifting Coach. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. Well, thats going to be some moment. She said, What are you going to do about it?. Thompson Warrior: Sloth Nationzz AHSFHS Master Researcher. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. No matter how bad the Vikings had been before his arrival. He took his time, did his research, seemed to flirt with Clemson and ended up back at the beginning this summer, committing to Alabama again on July 8. He ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. 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. Please try a new search. 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. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Outside The Huddle: Thompson High School Head Coach Mark Freeman If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. I would be real timid the next game and not be aggressive and show what I could actually do.. 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. Harsin's son plays for Auburn High. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This fall, the Warriors completed a 9-1 regular season and are slated to start the state playoffs Friday against Florence. Ty Hulstine: The road home | Local Sports | joplinglobe.com McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. 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. Staff - Thompson Warriors (Alabaster, AL) Varsity Football 22-23 Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. Mira Mesa High football coach Chris Thompson dies at 52 - MSN Hey, it comes with the gig. Valid CPR and First Aid, TB Test, Fingerprint Process, NFHS online coaching certificates; Heat Illness Prevention. And it was Bethel who introduced him to the Vertimax, a machine designed to improve jumping ability. Website. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. 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.. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. Tommy Thompson (soccer) - Wikipedia Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. Bowie High School Football Search. Thompson . Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. Fegans laughs with a. Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. 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. 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. 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. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. . Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. Theyll offer that kid early. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. In Freemans first two seasons, Thompson finished with a 5-5 record. But when the opportunity opened at Thompson for an athletic administrator and a special education teacher, Hester and Simpson both knew it was the right fit. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. Thats huge. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. 74 overall in the 2023 class. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. But these next two weekends have special meaning. 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. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Waldrop said he had conversations with Etheridge and Auburn defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, both of whom regularly made themselves available. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. In the 2022 class, the state's No. Freeman's decision . Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. 3) is the one you need to watch! Staff - Leopard Athletics - Lorena Independent School District He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. Thats really what made me as a football player, and getting back to my roots like that was really enticing to me facilities are great, but I think people make the place, and I think the people here make this a special place.. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. 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. Everybody just clicks together, Thompson explained. Knowledge of sport. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. Job Summary. He knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . 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? Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. 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. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. 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. Weve been talking about that for so long. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Thompson's Jake Ganus hired as Moody football coach YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Not yet 6 feet, Thompson proved he belonged with the big boys, the varsity. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. Harsin, former defensive coordinator Derek Mason and a number of assistants visited Williamson during Woodyard's recruitment, and coach Melvin Pete Jr. was impressed by their professional style. Pete enjoyed a conversation with Harsinin December about how Auburn schemed in the Iron Bowl. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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). Portsmouth High School names Keith MacDonald as new football coach Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. Baker said a player of Thompsons level likely wouldve already been scooped up in the past. Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. Now, theyre recruiting the freakish athlete. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. "It is going to be special.". 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. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions.