I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. station in the nations top 40 market where students and That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. 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. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. 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. The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. The quintet started for the C.C. In his third season, the results started to show. Freeman's decision . I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. 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. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. As does Thompson now. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. 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. There are now five. 74 overall in the 2023 class. Later, the same call was made on Bullock. Thompson dominated the Alabama high school football scene throughout 2020, posting a 13-0 record with an average margin of victory of 29 points per game. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. 56-38 (W) Thomson @ South Atlanta. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. 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. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. 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. 1 and No. Bowie High School Football Search. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. One night, after the Vikings played in the holiday tournament at Mount Pleasant, I was walking to my car to head off and write my story. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Job Summary. 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. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. And the results speak for itself: over the past five seasons, the Warriors are 62-6. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. I think hed still be sitting there talking if I didnt have to get up and go work my kids out, Higgins said. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. 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. 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. Everybody just clicks together, Thompson explained. After National Signing Day, Harsin hadnot visited Montgomery Catholic, which is 50 minutes from Auburn. Thats huge. We have chosen to publish this ALABASTER, Ala. In one sense, this is hardly the kind of town that comes to mind when you think of nationally relevant high school football programs. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. Some names on that C.C. 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? 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. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. Hes ranked No. Im just trying to go MY way. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. Copyright All rights reserved. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. 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. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson 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 . On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. During a salary survey this spring of all Metro schools, Alabaster City Schools reported that former coach Mike Montgomery was given an annual salary through all supplements of $72,857.50 for this season. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting BRYAN HARSIN:'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, AUBURN BASKETBALL:I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando, Montgomery Catholic Prep is another school with consistent talent. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. The only time Johnson had met Harsin was during a FaceTime with Etheridge, during which the assistant coach briefly put Harsin on the phone. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. The outworkem all came. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. . Griffin starting five might sound familiar to Central Cabarrus fans: Gavin Bullock, Adriel Miller, Eli Ford and Micah Murray. Thompson paused, realizing that that day had been his moment of clarity. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. And Updates from all around. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Email Brandon Graves. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Thompsons feelings certainly werent about a lack of love for the Vikings. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . electronic communication and community service. 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. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. } } KANNAPOLIS After walking into town 12 years ago and leaving his footprint at one of the most highly regarded programs in Cabarrus County, Mi, CONCORD They draw fans to the storied gym in droves, as if the Charlotte Hornets the original Kelly Tripucka-in-the-Charlotte-Coliseum Hor. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. "It is going to be special.". 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. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. Thomson 56. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. 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 try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. But Johnson was confused that we just signed three defensive players to major universities, and only one of them had an Auburn offer. (Two went to Clemson; the other to Tennessee.) The Freeman and Floyd hirings have signaled a new era in Alabama high school football. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. That season,. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. Hey, it comes with the gig. 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. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. 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 totals did not include any monies received from head football coaches for their football camps. I really dont. Part of it, Thompson admits, was residue from the game of college recruiting. You trust your evaluation of kids. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. Knowledge of sport. . The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. 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? As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. That was probably where it was a little frustrating for him that he wasnt able to get it there as quickly as he wanted.. You can cancel at any time. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. And, yes, I went on to write about him. And when you put together a 60-1 record over the course of two years, it takes something special, something stronger than Xs and Os and talent. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . 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. The coaching part of it? Words wouldnt be able to explain that moment.. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. 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. Whether or not thats a serious concern varies depending on the coach. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. The board approved him through a solitary personnel action. Contact Us. ", Before Wade Waldrop became Hoovers coach recently, he coached five-star cornerback Jahlil Hurley at Florence. 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. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. 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. Success is here.". Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . Media. He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. Were like a family. Thompsons James L Simmons Stadium underwent a facelift for the 2014 season with press box improvements and new artificial turf. She said, What are you going to do about it?. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Higgins was impressed. That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. Faulkners first grandbaby, Thompson was, in many ways, HER heartbeat. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M He knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. His grandma, of course, will be with his grandpa, his mother and his uncle cheering Thompson on, hopefully for the next two weekends. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. 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. Eason is at Clemson now. 3,620 Followers. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. Fegans laughs with a. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. Harsin's son plays for Auburn High.

Celebrities With Scorpio, Does Merida's Mom Die In Brave, Lou Romano Related To Ray Romano, How To Reset Thinkorswim To Default, Articles T