Contact Us. I look forward to things to come. 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. His teacher contract will be $46,113 annually. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. If you look at where Jaiden is ranked in his class, in the top 30 or so in North Carolina, normally the top 50 or 60 kids end up with a Division I offer, Baker explained. But the very good, solid kid that you can win with and (have) represent the school and do the right thing, theyre holding way back on these kids right now.. Higgins said Harsins message was an eye-opening experience for Mars Hill players about the rigors of college football: He was very adamant on: This is going to take some time. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. var field59 = field59 || {}; Top Coach. 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. There is no lack of challenge or ego in the region. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. He has not met Harsin. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. You cant describe him, Alexander said. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. 3) is the one you need to watch! Head coach Lee Gibson makes a little less than half of what Floyd and Freeman do even when all of his teacher salary and supplement stipends are added up. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. We had the opportunity to bring him in here, and he was interested in getting into athletics administration working closely with coach Pitts, Hester said. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 197 Posts. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 6 recruits in the states 2023 class attend Carver: defensive lineman James Smith and edge Jaquavious Russaw. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. He wanted to change the narrative.. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). Theyll offer that kid early. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. In 2011, he became the head football coach at Spanish Fort High School. He ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. Website. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. Tommy Thompson weighed 192 lbs (87 kg) when playing. 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. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. Tommy Thompson was 6-1 (185 cm) tall. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. 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). The 2023 class is even better, led by two five-stars: Cornerback Tony Mitchell (No. That's what Freeman's glowing resume is expected to bring. In his third season, the results started to show. 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. 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. 4) are both top-25 prospects in the country. 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. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. 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. One of Harsin's strategies in that regard has been emphasis onlocal recruiting. Jaiden Thompson looks to make a pass during his freshman season. He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. Sure, its great. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. Thompson . Things have been up and down, kind of like a roller coaster. 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. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. The Alabaster City Schools website includes a tagline in cursive script that reads "Champions of our Future" on every page. Im just trying to go MY way. OK, I was a lot alarmed. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. 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. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. 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. Thompson Warrior: Sloth Nationzz AHSFHS Master Researcher. After National Signing Day, Harsin hadnot visited Montgomery Catholic, which is 50 minutes from Auburn. BP Brandon Petersen Team 8-2 - Social Studies. Published 3:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. Website. Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. 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. Steven Hoffmann High School Teacher / Asst Football & Powerlifting Coach. 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. San Rafael football is in search of a Junior Varsity Head Coach, Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator, Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and Varsity Linebackers coach. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Its so rewarding what we deal with. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster 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. Photographer Cecil Copeland has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship) containing 176 photos. Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. Thompson smiled as he recalled the encounter and warned, My grandma, she has a way with words. I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. Highland Home coach Will Pouncey hasnt seen Harsin visit, but he said Auburns assistants have had consistent contact. The TV & Film Academy is also the home of THS TV, Thompson High School's student-run newscast. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. Im not choosing sides on Alabama-Auburn, Rigby says, but the most important recruiting trait to him is when a college coach visits even in those years when the high school doesnt have top-rated players. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018. "global": { Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. 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. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. 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 would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? . Carver High School in Montgomery. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. And she could see right through him. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. Not yet 6 feet, Thompson proved he belonged with the big boys, the varsity. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. 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. I can work as good as anybody, Freeman said. And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. Waldrop said he had conversations with Etheridge and Auburn defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, both of whom regularly made themselves available. The coaching part of it? 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. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. But this transfer portal has really hurt a kid like Jaiden because the decision for these college coaches is, Do I take a high school kid, or do I wait and see if I can find somebody in the portal that may have played at a little bit lower level but the kid is averaging seven points and four rebounds and has a year of experience under him? This whole portal thing, I think, has hurt the true high school kid.. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Both are top-40 nationally. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. The great thing is that Thompson has found peace in it all. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. 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. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. Faulkner had been helping take care of Jaiden since he was yay high, back when he and his mother, Keyna Ricks, first moved back to Concord after a stint in Charlotte. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. With one of the states largest high school athletic programs at the Class 7A level, Hester said it would be beneficial for the school in many ways. 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). 1 player in the state in the 247Sports Composite. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. He felt he was on his way. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. I can do this my way and actually go to a good college like Wendell did. Harsin has a golden opportunity to rebound: The upcoming 2023 talent pool in Alabama is the states deepest and most top-heavy of this century. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. 74 overall in the 2023 class. It pisses us off, Alexander said. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. Hes got what the kids call bounce.. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . Coach: Todd Thompson. 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. You can cancel at any time. 1 and No. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. He knew then-Central upperclassmen Christian Cornish and Dajon Johnson well. But he knew it. Twenty-four (Thompsons jersey number as a freshman before he switched to his current No. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. 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. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. Tweets & replies. Part of it, Thompson admits, was residue from the game of college recruiting. Jaiden Thompson (3) leaving it all on the court. His uncle and role model, former Central Cabarrus football standout Michael Ricks, had a lot to do with that, coaching Thompson on his Concord Comets team and putting him through drills like dribbling with a tennis ball to improve his ball-handling. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. She said, What are you going to do about it?. I was always that guy growing up that you could negative motivate me. High School Teacher jobs 25,325 open jobs Building Supervisor jobs 25,132 open jobs . WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television, Paul Bryant's McKanstry signs with Independence CC football, Gordo High School celebrates 2023 signing class, Former Hillcrest standout Brandon Bishop announces transfer to Liberty, Paul Bryant football introduces new head coach, Tuesday afternoon crash victim identified, Soldier, poet, or king? New Orleans (La.) Following the 2020-21 school year, Thompson was even named Teacher of the Year for the Ogden School District. I cant wait to see him play next year. Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. The season before he arrived, the Warriors finished with an 0-10 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? In a way, I was kind of alarmed. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. But he acknowledges that the dynamics have changed since he was leading the Indians courting prospects. His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. 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 average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. Ty Branyon. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Ed Rigby out of Pike Road: Page: of 4: Topic : My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. 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. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Todd Maulden/Special to the Independent Tribune, Friday Five: New barbecue restaurant, apartment dwellers and updates, HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: After leaving his mark at storied A.L. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. Hey, you played so-and-so, tell me about him., "Those are the guys you develop that relationship with, that when the chips are down, you need a little help, need a little bump, theyll help you out., Rigby said newly-hired Troy coach Jon Sumrall has made it his goal to go visit every high school, to walk through the doors of every high school in Alabama. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. And for that to actually happen? Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! WEBB CITY, Mo. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest "turnaround". 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. 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. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. . Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. 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. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster.