I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. In 2023, the state has 11 of the top 100. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. 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. Ty Branyon. You trust your evaluation of kids. var field59 = field59 || {}; Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? Later, the same call was made on Bullock. We have chosen to publish this Coach - JV Football Senior High School /season 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. In the 2022 class, the state's No. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. In the 2022 class, the state's No. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. 6 recruits in the states 2023 class attend Carver: defensive lineman James Smith and edge Jaquavious Russaw. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. 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. Were like a family. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. Man died Wednesday. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. It pisses us off, Alexander said. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. Harsin's son plays for Auburn High. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. 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. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. His overall record in 16 years of coaching is 164-37, including a 30-8 playoff mark. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Simpson spent the previous two years coaching the Eagles after taking over for Andrew Zow ahead of the 2019 season. 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. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. The funds generated by those summer camps can typically add another $10,000-$30,000 to a coach's bottom line income in some cases. The current defense has shut out five of its 10 regular-season opponents and held nine to fewer than 10 points. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. Alabama High School Football History - ahsfhs.org 19) in over a decade. Westlake High School Football Coach Todd Dodge Might Be The Best Who 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. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. McCaskey football tabs assistant Ben Thompson as head coach for 2021 Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signed The San Jose Earthquakes have re-signed homegrown defender Tommy Thompson through the 2023 MLS season with an option for 2024, the club announced Tuesday. Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. Saturdays game, a highly anticipated rematch of last seasons semifinals, will be played at McDowell High School in Marion at 3 p.m. You might even be able to hear Faulkner yelling words of support for her grandbaby, even in a gym packed with 3,700 other fans. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The meeting was adjourned quickly and the head coach was brought in to welcome him into the chamber. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. AHSFHS.org - Alabama High School Football Coaches 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. 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). I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. 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. Faculty & Staff / Administration - Alabaster City Schools 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. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. The top 25 class of 2023 football recruits - USA TODAY High School Sports 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. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. Hes ranked No. How can we make Moody more successful. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. And Updates from all around. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. That defeat still rings in the ears of the team, especially the defense, which isnt accustomed to teams crossing the goal line once, never mind how many times Hoover did. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. Weve been talking about that for so long. Freeman's decision . As does Thompson now. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus 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. Top Coach. Football Coach jobs Tennis Coach jobs Camp Director jobs Head Football Coach jobs . He wants to keep the promise he made to his grandma before the season: no distractions, nothing but his best as he strives for his best. In another, it makes perfect sense. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. That's what Freeman's glowing resume is expected to bring. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. 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. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. 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. Hey, what are your thoughts on this player? And thats OK. Be your own program and stop missing out on really good Alabama kids because Alabama didn't offer them.. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Thompson high school-Miracle Win-Class 7A Championship-Alabama football Soccer Shots Sacramento North hiring Youth Soccer Coach in Citrus 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. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. Hey, it comes with the gig. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. Thomson 56. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. 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. Wallace was hired in 2018, and went 11-28 overall. I wrestled, I played baseball. Thompson figured his freshman season was a success, but he knew he could be better. Defensive lineman Peter Woods and cornerback Tony Mitchell are uncommitted five-star 2023 recruits with offers from the Crimson Tide, among many other high-profile schools. Staff - Thompson Warriors (Alabaster, AL) Varsity Football 22-23 BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. . Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. Eli Mendoza - Assistant Football Coach - Thompson Valley High School 5 in the state and No. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. 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. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. 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 . I was like, Yeah, I can really do this, if I put my mind to it, Thompson recalled. But he acknowledges that the dynamics have changed since he was leading the Indians courting prospects. 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 was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Eason is at Clemson now. And if when that actually comes to fruition? Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. I cant wait to see him play next year. 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.. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Hes a five-star rated prospect and the No. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. 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. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. 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). So how did this high school team, about 66 miles from the University of Alabama campus in a town with a population of less than 35,000, rise of out of near obscurity to become one of the best high school football programs in the country and a burgeoning pipeline for the Crimson Tide? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The list can go on and on because Hoover and Niblett, like their counterparts Freeman and Thompson, take their football seriously. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. No, we got a great person, Vickers said. 0:36. 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. Those were the things that helped bring him solace as he was dealing with his frustration. records may be incomplete. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? 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. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. Thats huge. 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? Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. I look forward to things to come. You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. 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. Plus, Thompson had obviously inherited at least part of his talent from his father, Andricko Thompson, who was a good basketball player in his native Shelby. 1 and No. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. 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. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. 4) are both top-25 prospects in the country. I think he wanted to have what he had at Boise, at Auburn, Higgins said. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. But everybody is just on hold with a lot of these very good high school players. Well, thats going to be some moment. His father, Fred, is a legendary figure in Utah high school athletics, having coached at Roy High School for 19 years, followed by a six-year stint at Fremont. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. Some 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. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. 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. 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. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season. (Photo of Jeremiah Alexander: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). 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. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. Some names on that C.C. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. Youre going to be writing about him.. 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. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. One of Harsin's strategies in that regard has been emphasis onlocal recruiting. 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. 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.. Thompson, 52, was in his fourth season as head coach at Mira Mesa High, his alma mater. Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300. You can cancel at any time. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. High school football: Coaches take over at Cedar Park, Vista Ridge Taylor High School. Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. 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. Career. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. Photographer Kenny Grimes has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final) containing 104 photos. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. Sep 17 2015. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. {{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. 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. Now, theyre recruiting the freakish athlete. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. The quintet started for the C.C. That both programs are in the Birmingham metro area is a feather in the cap for the Crimson Tide football program, which is just a short ride away. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. The top spot belonged to . We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Mira Mesa High football coach Chris Thompson dies at 52 - MSN 7 recruits played at Thompson. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. I was always that guy growing up that you could negative motivate me. Staff - Leopard Athletics - Lorena Independent School District 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 . Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. Hes got what the kids call bounce.. 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. Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. Reed made such a positiveimpact that the Auburn alum was promoted this week to director of recruiting relations, adding to Harsin's arsenal. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. 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.. 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. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. Thompsons James L Simmons Stadium underwent a facelift for the 2014 season with press box improvements and new artificial turf. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. OK, I was a lot alarmed. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions.
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