But everybody is just on hold with a lot of these very good high school players. "Rogers (High) AD Ricky Hole was close friends with my dad," MacDonald said. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. The only time Johnson had met Harsin was during a FaceTime with Etheridge, during which the assistant coach briefly put Harsin on the phone. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. 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. 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. Highland Home has been a revolving door of head coaches visiting Faulk, including Tennessees Josh Heupel. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. Alexander is locked in with the Crimson Tide for the second time. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. That's the predominately Birmingham-based region in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's largest playing classification. The quintet started. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. I can do this my way and actually go to a good college like Wendell did. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. 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. The first-year coach Roderick Thompson of Anderson High School has had quite a journey to be a first-year head coach in high school. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. "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. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. The TV & Film Academy is also the home of THS TV, Thompson High School's student-run newscast. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. 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. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. Some 1 and No. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. Itll be an RPO, air-raid type system so we do need somebody that can spit the ball out and thats something well have to find in the program or in the hallways.. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. "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" Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. Email Brandon Graves. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. Wallace was hired in 2018, and went 11-28 overall. 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 was good. 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. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. 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. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. var field59 = field59 || {}; It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. There he won consecutive state championships in 2012 and 2013. While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. What we got to do when we go to work is we are going to put the able to win together with the want to win. Its almost a collective awe that funnels out when his teammates describe Woods. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Coaches liked that Harsin didn't hold back in that regard. WEBB CITY, Mo. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. Its going to be scary.. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. New Orleans (La.) In 2011, he became the head football coach at Spanish Fort High School. 56-38 (W) Thomson @ South Atlanta. 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. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. Higgins was impressed. Reed made such a positiveimpact that the Auburn alum was promoted this week to director of recruiting relations, adding to Harsin's arsenal. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Going into Saturdays Class 3A state semifinal game against West Charlotte, he was averaging team bests of 19.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 steals for the Vikings, the 23rd-ranked team in the nation. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Whatever that it is and wherever it takes him. And if when that actually comes to fruition? Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. Jeff Ables. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. 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. Both are top-40 nationally. Fegans is among Alabamas latest commitments, going public last month after decommitting from Miami. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. The No. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. I said, Im going to go get it. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. I grew up playing a lot of sports. You dont work out anymore.. 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. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. 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.. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. 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. 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. Youre playing Central and Opelika: Tell me what theyve got. Weve been talking about that for so long. I really dont. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting 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. How tall was Tommy Thompson? Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . Several high school coachessaid college coaches often don't do a sufficient job preparing players for the grind during recruitment, which leads to athletes being blindsided and more likely to leave. Thompson Warrior: Sloth Nationzz AHSFHS Master Researcher. 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. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. He felt he was on his way. I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. 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. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. It marks the second time in the last three seasons that the Eagles will be looking for a new head coach in the month of June as Simpson took over the job from Zow in June 2019. Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. Its so rewarding what we deal with. 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). 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. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. Photographer Kenny Grimes has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final) containing 104 photos. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. You have permission to edit this article. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. He was THAT good. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. Steven Hoffmann High School Teacher / Asst Football & Powerlifting Coach. 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.) 27. OK, I was a lot alarmed. 7 recruits played at Thompson. Freeman won four state titles during the last decade at Spanish Fort in 2011 and 2013. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. Both coaches compete in Class 7A, Region 3. Success is here.". Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? Griffin Middle School squad. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. 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. Salary: Tony Gaines Show More Show Less 5 of 93. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. Ryan Thorburn. 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. You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. No JV for you, rookie. 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. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. records may be incomplete. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . Man died Wednesday. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 20-14 win @ Appling County on 12/2/2022 7:30 PM. 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. "global": { Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. us to complete every school. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. A number of coaches were baffled that they haven't interacted with Auburn's head coach. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. In another, it makes perfect sense. 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. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. That facility will also come with a new football stadium. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. Freeman resigned from his position after four very successful years at Spanish Fort and the Alabaster board quickly moved to approve that personnel action with no discussion. 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. 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. . We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. Published 3:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. 1 and No. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. Not yet 6 feet, Thompson proved he belonged with the big boys, the varsity. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Its miracle win to bring another state. 74 overall in the 2023 class. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. 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. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. 5 in the state and No. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. Things have been up and down, kind of like a roller coaster. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television Freeman, an Alabama graduate, attended Bessemer Academy and has maintained a home in the McCalla area. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. 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. He may make a turnover or take a bad shot or something like that, but with him, you dont have to coach effort.. In the 2022 class, the state's No. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. Hes rare. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. 1 player in the state in the 247Sports Composite. Fegans laughs with a. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. 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. I watched him in the Gadsden City game. All rights reserved (About Us). His overall record in 16 years of coaching is 164-37, including a 30-8 playoff mark. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. He wanted to change the narrative.. You have to build on the foundation that was set, he said. 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. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. 90 nationally. 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. And Updates from all around. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. This year, despite losing star quarterback Tyler Johnstonto a knee injury in Week 5, Spanish Fort went 12-2 and reached the Class 6A state semifinals before losing to Saraland. 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? In 2023, the state has 11 of the top 100. Website. Carver High School in Montgomery. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Search. Thompson, 52, was in his fourth season as head coach at Mira Mesa High, his alma mater. 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. 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 . And for that to actually happen? Youre going to be writing about him.. Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Buildings are filling up. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. 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. 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. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. That shows citizens and potential community members that their school's high school football experience will be second to none in the state of Alabama.
Johnathan Thurston Net Worth,
Tesla Stem High School Admission Rate,
Places To Celebrate Birthday In Miami,
Articles T