The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Freeman's decision . Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. "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. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. 258 Following. Brown, Newsome announces retirement as coach, C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: A Vikings program thats been great the past 2 years looks ready to take next step, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, A Pig Deal: Cannon Ballers changing the name, Cabarrus Sheriffs Office makes major drug bust with cocaine, fentanyl, cash seized, Bojangles offering fish sandwich during Lent, Concord man sentenced to 10 years for fentanyl and firearm offenses, Elizabeth Holmes gives birth to second child while seeking to further delay imprisonment, BOYS BASKETBALL: Ball doesnt bounce Concord Academys way in NCISAA 3A finals defeat to Greensboro Day, WeBuild buys historic Concord church for affordable housing, mixed use, Friday Five: New brewery, downtown streetscape and Barber-Scotia update. 7 recruits played at Thompson. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. 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). Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Try a week on us. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. Eason is at Clemson now. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. You cant describe him, Alexander said. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). Man died Wednesday. When Etheridge visited in January, it was the first and only time we have communicated with Auburn. Vigor has two rising talents: junior defensive end Michael Towner and freshman offensive lineman Micha Debose. Coach: Todd Thompson. 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. One Division-I school, Western Carolina, had confirmed as much when it offered him a scholarship after his freshman season. Success is here.". Ty Branyon. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. field59.ipo = { His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. Highland Home has been a revolving door of head coaches visiting Faulk, including Tennessees Josh Heupel. That facility will also come with a new football stadium. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. 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. 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.. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. He felt he was on his way. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. His grandma, of course, will be with his grandpa, his mother and his uncle cheering Thompson on, hopefully for the next two weekends. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. Bowie Football Coaching Staff. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. Email Steven Hoffmann. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. 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. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. 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. Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. 197 Posts. 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. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. Hoover recently snapped Thompsons 27-game winning streak, and the two seem to be on a collision course to meet in the playoffs this season too. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. 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. You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? Tommy Thompson weighed 192 lbs (87 kg) when playing. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. electronic communication and community service. 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 will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. I grew up playing a lot of sports. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. 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. Griffin Middle School squad. 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. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. The Tigers did not add anybody to their 2022 class on National Signing Day earlier this month. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media 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. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. The Crimson Tide, who have the No. The quintet started for the C.C. It seemed it would be a Herculean task. Thats huge. 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? 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. 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. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. Harsin's message on the recruiting trail has been firm:Auburn wants a specific type of player who is ready to love football and meet his demanding standards. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. 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. 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. 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. 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. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. Alexander is locked in with the Crimson Tide for the second time. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. In Freemans first two seasons, Thompson finished with a 5-5 record. How tall was Tommy Thompson? Katy ISD. Whatever that it is and wherever it takes him. After that, everything just clicked. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. His bloodlines are pretty good too, with his older brother Antwon at Arkansas State and his younger brother Anquon, a class of 2025 recruit, already holding offers from Florida, Georgia and Miami, among others. 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. Brandon Graves Elementary Teacher / Head Baseball & Asst Football Coach. 6 recruits in the states 2023 class attend Carver: defensive lineman James Smith and edge Jaquavious Russaw. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Job Summary. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. The quintet started. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. Last years team started 3-2 and finished 3-7, but lost four games by eight points or less to talented playoff teams. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker struggles to find a fault in the 6-foot-1 Thompsons game, but if he had to nick-pick, its that hed like the low-key guard to be more vocal on the floor. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. Thompson figured his freshman season was a success, but he knew he could be better. Thompson, 52, was in his fourth season as head coach at Mira Mesa High, his alma mater. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. But these next two weekends have special meaning. People were telling me, You need to transfer. 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. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. var field59 = field59 || {}; 19) in over a decade. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Theres no tearing stuff down. Taylor High 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.. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. 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. 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. San Rafael football is in search of a Junior Varsity Head Coach, Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator, Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and Varsity Linebackers coach. School board meetings don't go quite like this in Alabaster. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. I think he wanted to have what he had at Boise, at Auburn, Higgins said. "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" 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). He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. 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. 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. If I'm the head coach at any college, thats the first thing I would do: Win the battle in your backyard which is hard to do vs. Alabama, Rigby said. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. Gardendale coach Chad Eads is another multi-decade coaching veteran who has seen all kinds of things that I didn't like and things I wish they wouldn't say. But he was impressed with Harsin when he and a few assistants visited recently. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. 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. Our offense will be spread, tempo. I know people. 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 said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. Tweets & replies. I would be real timid the next game and not be aggressive and show what I could actually do.. Whenever the grammar-school-aged Thompson was feeling overwhelmed, it was as if he could click the heels of his Air Jordans together, chant Theres no place like home, and be transported to anywhere a rim hung. For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. Thomson 56. 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. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. Weve been talking about that for so long. When I was principal at Montevallo, I appointed him as athletic director there because of his potential.. Others said the bare minimum is to have made that a top priority by now. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. Im just trying to go MY way. 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. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. Visit our website for info. It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. station in the nations top 40 market where students and I look forward to things to come. And the results speak for itself: over the past five seasons, the Warriors are 62-6. Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . He knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. Its home for me. 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.
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