He felt he was on his way. 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. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. Jaiden Thompson (3) leaving it all on the court. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. 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. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. 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.. No passion missing; it burns like hot fish grease in Thompson, and his coach loves the way he is. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. But its worked out really great.. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. Freeman's decision . 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. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . 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. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. Things have been up and down, kind of like a roller coaster. You trust your evaluation of kids. 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. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. field59.ipo = { The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. 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. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. I look forward to things to come. The coaching part of it? 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. Football. 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. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. 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. You know Peter is going to be back there somewhere. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. Whatever that it is and wherever it takes him. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Copyright All rights reserved. In the 2022 class, the state's No. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. People were telling me, You need to transfer. He was named the AISA Football Coach of the Year in 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2007 and the Coach of the Year according to the Alabama Sports Writers in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. I grew up playing a lot of sports. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. Carver High School in Montgomery. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. 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. Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. 3,620 Followers. 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. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. 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. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. 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. Alabama High School Football History - ahsfhs.org Thats the altitude Thompson has currently reached with its run of impressive athletes, which also includes three-star quarterback Conner Harrell, who is committed to North Carolina. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. 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. After graduation, he coached at various high schools. Everybody just clicks together, Thompson explained. Freeman had a tremendous run in the private school ranks in Alabama Independent School Association football at Bessemer Academy before he moved to Alabama High School Athletic Association public football. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. THS Athletics (@athletics_ths) / Twitter But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. But everybody is just on hold with a lot of these very good high school players. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . I can do this my way and actually go to a good college like Wendell did. He knew it, not in a cocky way. Coming back here and kind of turning this program around was a big thing for me.. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. 3) is the one you need to watch! Portsmouth High School names Keith MacDonald as new football coach Hes a five-star rated prospect and the No. Website. Job Summary. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. And, yes, I went on to write about him. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "dfpConfig": { Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. Coach: Todd Thompson. The Tigers did not add anybody to their 2022 class on National Signing Day earlier this month. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. The great thing is that Thompson has found peace in it all. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. 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 has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. "It is going to be special.". University of Northern Colorado . Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. 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. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. Soccer Shots Sacramento North hiring Youth Soccer Coach in Citrus 5 in the state and No. 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. Thompson went 0-10 last year and 7-23 in three years under Mike Montgomery. C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: Central Cabarrus' Thompson fulfilling his Star Recruits Shine in Alabama High School Football Showdown Between 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He will receive a salary package as a teacher, football coach and system athletics director that will pay him $121,000 annually. 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. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. In the spring of 1978, Dodge's freshman year at Jefferson, the school hired a new coach, former Yellow Jacket Ronnie Thompson, to restore some pride in the football team. The Warriors finished 12-1 in 2017, losing in the semifinals of the Class 7A State Football Playoffs. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. Contact Us. Tommy Thompson - pro-football-reference.com How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. The Freeman and Floyd hirings have signaled a new era in Alabama high school football. Assistant Football Coach at Thompson Valley High School Loveland, Colorado, United States. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. 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. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. Thompson's Jake Ganus hired as Moody football coach . This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. Football | Thompson Middle School All rights reserved (About Us). We have chosen to publish this And it was Bethel who introduced him to the Vertimax, a machine designed to improve jumping ability. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Please try a new search. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. 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.. 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. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. Email Rylan Gerber. 19) in over a decade. Outside The Huddle: Thompson High School Head Coach Mark Freeman Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. 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. Following the 2020-21 school year, Thompson was even named Teacher of the Year for the Ogden School District. But he knew it. 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. His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. "He asked me if I wanted to get . Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M Alabama's new backyard recruiting pipeline: How Thompson High School Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Bowie Football Coaching Staff - Bowie High School Football Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. WEBB CITY, Mo. I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. I was always that guy growing up that you could negative motivate me. Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. The Warriors (13-1) captured a third straight 7A championship while making a fourth straight Super 7 appearance. resigned from his position after four very successful years, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. 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. But that foundation is there. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). Thats huge. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. 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. In another, it makes perfect sense. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. "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" To borrow some real estate phrasing its seems that the ultimate in "curb appeal" for a high school and its community is to have a high-profile head football coach that commands a top salary. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? 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. Salary: Tony Gaines Show More Show Less 5 of 93. 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. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. 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. Eason is at Clemson now. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Central-Phenix City once again faces off with Thompson for Class 7A OK, I was a lot alarmed. I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. CONCORD The thumping of the ball against the hardwood, the symphony of screeching sneaker rubber echoing throughout the gym used to be metaphors for Jaiden Thompsons heartbeat. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. 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. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. In the 2022 class, the state's No. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. 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). Alabaster City Schools is planning a new high school that should be open in less than three years. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. Thomson High School (GA) Varsity Football - MaxPreps.com 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? Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. 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. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. Alexander is locked in with the Crimson Tide for the second time. Government & Public Administration: Air Force JROTC. Published 3:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. Ryan Thorburn. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. 4) are both top-25 prospects in the country. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. Hey, it comes with the gig. Thompson's Mark Freeman hire elevates salary scale for Class 7A, Region Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. Sure, its great. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. The No. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300.

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