. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. You cant describe him, Alexander said. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. 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. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. He was named the AISA Football Coach of the Year in 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2007 and the Coach of the Year according to the Alabama Sports Writers in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The 27 . Success is here.". Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. Thompson was a critical reason the Vikings went unbeaten in the South Piedmont 3A Conference for the third year in a row. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Its so rewarding what we deal with. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A, Photos: Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final), Photos: Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship). 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. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. 74 overall in the 2023 class. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. We have chosen to publish this information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting us to complete every school. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. Things started off good for him the summer before his freshman year at Central. I think hed still be sitting there talking if I didnt have to get up and go work my kids out, Higgins said. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. San Rafael football is in search of a Junior Varsity Head Coach, Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator, Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and Varsity Linebackers coach. 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. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. When Harsin visited Mars Hill, he was targeting three-star offensive lineman Koby Keenum, who playsa position of priority for Auburns 2023 class. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. 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. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. 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. Higgins was impressed. Baker, who had a decorated career as the head coach at Catawba College, believes Thompson, who carries a 3.8 GPA, will win the recruiting game. Hes ranked No. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. But these next two weekends have special meaning. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. He has not met Harsin. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. 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. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Alabaster City Schools approved Freeman as the new head football coach at Thompson on Friday. No passion missing; it burns like hot fish grease in Thompson, and his coach loves the way he is. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. Thompson . Those were the things that helped bring him solace as he was dealing with his frustration. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. 19) in over a decade. But during his time at Calera, Simpson was also the teams baseball coach during the 2017 and 2018 seasons and eventually became the schools athletic director. Knowledge of sport. Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. Published 3:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. The speculation, the expectations from others took its toll, even on the normally unflappable Thompson, who admits he had a tendency to internalize his emotions. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. No, we got a great person, Vickers said. He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He knew it, not in a cocky way. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. 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. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. I can work as good as anybody, Freeman said. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. 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. 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. She said, What are you going to do about it?. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . I was like, Yeah, I can really do this, if I put my mind to it, Thompson recalled. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? The answer to that is Freeman. Thompson High School coach Mark Freeman said the 6-foot-2 Fegans almost tricks a quarterback into throwing the ball by purposefully making him think a receiver is open. Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. 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. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Baker said a player of Thompsons level likely wouldve already been scooped up in the past. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. In the 2022 class, the state's No. Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. So I just feel like when we let someone score, its bad.. Assistant Football Coach at Thompson Valley High School Loveland, Colorado, United States. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. Both coaches compete in Class 7A, Region 3. Well, thats going to be some moment. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018. Rigby hasn't met Harsin. Its miracle win to bring another state. His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. 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. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. 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. 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. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. Hes a five-star rated prospect and the No. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. 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 . Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. How tall was Tommy Thompson? Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. 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. 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. You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. Fegans is among Alabamas latest commitments, going public last month after decommitting from Miami. Wallace was hired in 2018, and went 11-28 overall. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. "I think every team wants to win. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. How can we make Moody more successful. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. And thats OK. Be your own program and stop missing out on really good Alabama kids because Alabama didn't offer them.. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. You have permission to edit this article. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . "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. Head coach Lee Gibson makes a little less than half of what Floyd and Freeman do even when all of his teacher salary and supplement stipends are added up. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Career. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. 6 recruits in the states 2023 class attend Carver: defensive lineman James Smith and edge Jaquavious Russaw. Griffin Middle School squad. Thats huge. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. 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. Im a finesse cornerback even though I can hit, Fegans said. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. You can cancel at any time. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. electronic communication and community service. Thomson 56. 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. 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. Actually, me and Gavin have been talking about this since we were little boys. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Website. Email Steven Hoffmann. 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. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. 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. Email Rylan Gerber. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. Ganus was part of a Thompson coaching staff that has won three straight 7A state championships from 2019-2021. Weve been talking about that for so long. And for that to actually happen? He was good. 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? THS TV allows students the opportunity to work in all areas of production, including behind-the-scenes and on-camera for news programs, our "Hey Coach" show, live sports events such as football games, and other sports and entertainment programming. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. 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. 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. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. 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. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. But everybody is just on hold with a lot of these very good high school players. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? 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. I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. The Freeman and Floyd hirings have signaled a new era in Alabama high school football. His teacher contract will be $46,113 annually. Griffin starting five might sound familiar to Central Cabarrus fans: Gavin Bullock, Adriel Miller, Eli Ford and Micah Murray. Fegans laughs with a. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. Top Coach. I said, Im going to go get it. Auburn president Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach in 2022. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. The top spot belonged to . His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. I cant wait to see him play next year. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. 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. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. After National Signing Day, Harsin hadnot visited Montgomery Catholic, which is 50 minutes from Auburn. WEBB CITY, Mo. Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. And she could see right through him. When I was principal at Montevallo, I appointed him as athletic director there because of his potential.. His overall record in 16 years of coaching is 164-37, including a 30-8 playoff mark. Auburn hadn't signed an Auburn High School player since 2009, but Harsin landed offensive lineman Eston Harris Jr. and linebacker Powell Gordon in 2022. What more were we going to do at Spanish Fort? "global": { Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. 1 player in the state in the 247Sports Composite. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. resigned from his position after four very successful years, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. Its going to be scary.. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. 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. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released. But that foundation is there. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. 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. I look forward to things to come. 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.. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Twenty-four (Thompsons jersey number as a freshman before he switched to his current No. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? Hes been involved in multiple sports arenas as far as coaching goes, but hes also shown success in athletic administration. 3) is the one you need to watch! Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. 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. Area school systems were able to provide requested financial data for each head football coach. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. Copyright All rights reserved. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. Try a week on us. Main Number 331-228-3100 . Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. {{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. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. 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. Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . 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. Thompsons feelings certainly werent about a lack of love for the Vikings. 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. Thompson paused, realizing that that day had been his moment of clarity. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. The challenge facing Harsin as he enters his second season at Auburn is making inroads while his program is geographically sandwiched between Nick Sabans established Alabama machine and Kirby Smarts emerging Georgia juggernaut. Following the 2020-21 school year, Thompson was even named Teacher of the Year for the Ogden School District. 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. Buildings are filling up. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. That season,. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. Search. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. 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.
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