Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. Thompson Tough: Ogden High football coach leading team while battling This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. . 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. 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. His girls basketball team made the playoffs from 2006-08, and his boys basketball team was state champion in 2008 and made the play-offs seven seasons. He has not met Harsin. Im just trying to go MY way. Alabama High School Football Head Coaches Mark Freeman Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. 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. 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. Hes rare. Griffin Middle School squad. 5 in the state and No. Theres no tearing stuff down. Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. And, yes, I went on to write about him. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. 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. Its home for me. You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? A number of coaches were baffled that they haven't interacted with Auburn's head coach. That season,. The outworkem all came. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. Theyll offer that kid early. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. Star Recruits Shine in Alabama High School Football Showdown Between Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. 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. 27. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. Staff - Thompson Warriors (Alabaster, AL) Varsity Football 22-23 That's how much Friday's board meeting to approve Mark Freeman as the next football coach had already spiked interest in the Alabaster community. Reed made such a positiveimpact that the Auburn alum was promoted this week to director of recruiting relations, adding to Harsin's arsenal. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. We have chosen to publish this He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. Alabaster City Schools approved Freeman as the new head football coach at Thompson on Friday. 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. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. 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. Part of it, Thompson admits, was residue from the game of college recruiting. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. It seemed it would be a Herculean task. To me it made a lot of sense. When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. In 2023, the state has 11 of the top 100. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. resigned from his position after four very successful years, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. Job Summary. station in the nations top 40 market where students and Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. 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. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. The highest-paid high school head football coaches in the - Chron That was probably where it was a little frustrating for him that he wasnt able to get it there as quickly as he wanted.. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. Thompson Football Documents. One Division-I school, Western Carolina, had confirmed as much when it offered him a scholarship after his freshman season. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. Alabama High School Football History - ahsfhs.org . 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. Tommy Thompson | MLSsoccer.com 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. 3) is the one you need to watch! 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. No, we got a great person, Vickers said. Whatever that it is and wherever it takes him. Harsin's son plays for Auburn High. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Outside The Huddle: Thompson High School Head Coach Mark Freeman 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. Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. } } 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. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. This family, after all, has a close bond. Hey, what are your thoughts on this player? It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. You cant describe him, Alexander said. 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. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Soccer Shots Sacramento North hiring Youth Soccer Coach in Citrus Top Coach | Migrated News Football Coaches. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. Central has played for the 7A championship in three of the last four seasons, beating Thompson 52-7 in 2018 . 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. "It is going to be special.". I was always that guy growing up that you could negative motivate me. 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. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. They all apply to the focused Thompson, who actually plays as hard on defense as he does when hes working magic with the ball in his hands. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. Jaiden Thompson looks to make a pass during his freshman season. Photographer Kenny Grimes has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final) containing 104 photos. He even referenced the model set by former Cox Mill star Wendell Moore Jr., who led the Chargers to back-to-back state titles before going on to shine at Duke and become the first Cabarrus County-bred athlete to be chosen in the NBA Draft. The top spot belonged to . So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. Tommy Thompson was born in Hutchinson, KS. The great thing is that Thompson has found peace in it all. As does Thompson now. Everybody just clicks together, Thompson explained. Auburn president Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach in 2022. He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. 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. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. So I just feel like when we let someone score, its bad.. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. 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. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. It pisses us off, Alexander said. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. 1 player in the state in the 247Sports Composite. He felt he was on his way. 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.. He knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. 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. Waldrop said he had conversations with Etheridge and Auburn defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, both of whom regularly made themselves available. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. Man died Wednesday. Football Coaches High School Season Job San Rafael California USA 3,620 Followers. 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). 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. Calera High School is searching for a new football coach after former head coach Trey Simpson recently joined Alabaster City Schools and Thompson High School. Hes ranked No. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. {{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. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. The challenge facing Harsin as he enters his second season at Auburn is making inroads while his program is geographically sandwiched between Nick Sabans established Alabama machine and Kirby Smarts emerging Georgia juggernaut. People were telling me, You need to transfer. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. 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. I said, Im going to go get it. 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. Thompson completes 3-peat, beats Central-Phenix City to win - AHSAA 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. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. All rights reserved. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. Coach Kirk Johnson has handled the football teams recruiting for a number of years, developing ties at Auburn. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. 19) in over a decade. Bowie Football Coaching Staff. On the night he scored his 1,000th career point, Jaiden Thompson is joined by (from left) his grandfather Nick Corry, his grandmother Phyllis Ann Faulker, his mother Keyna Ricks and his uncle Michael Ricks. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. High school sports greats who died in 2022, 2022 high school football state champions, Georgia football state championship games. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. He ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. Job Summary. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. With three five-stars prospects and a four-star, Thompson has put together a defense that is nearly impenetrable. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. Thompson paused, realizing that that day had been his moment of clarity. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. 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. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. 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). 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. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. OK, I was a lot alarmed. Tommy Thompson (soccer) - Wikipedia Westlake High School Football Coach Todd Dodge Might Be The Best Who Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. Freeman ran late for his big introduction. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Its very much a blue-collar, working-class community. Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice. My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. Email Rylan Gerber. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. University of Northern Colorado . The years you dont have players, they dont know your name.. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. Plus, Thompson had obviously inherited at least part of his talent from his father, Andricko Thompson, who was a good basketball player in his native Shelby. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. Thompson, 52, was in his fourth season as head coach at Mira Mesa High, his alma mater. 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. I look forward to things to come. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. Its kind of like a letdown, you know, because everybody has all these big expectations. Football Coach jobs Tennis Coach jobs Camp Director jobs Head Football Coach jobs . 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. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. Eli Mendoza - Assistant Football Coach - Thompson Valley High School Photographer Cecil Copeland has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship) containing 176 photos. Ill have to get some guys out there, Ganus said. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Please subscribe to keep reading. 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. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. Ronnie Thompson (American football) - Wikipedia 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. 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. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. The last time I checked, back when I was at Catawba, we had 33 schools in North Carolina that were offering D-I and D-II scholarships. There is no lack of challenge or ego in the region. Hes got what the kids call bounce.. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. 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. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. 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. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. He was good. But he knew it. He took his time, did his research, seemed to flirt with Clemson and ended up back at the beginning this summer, committing to Alabama again on July 8. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. 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. 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. Brandon Graves Elementary Teacher / Head Baseball & Asst Football Coach. You can cancel at any time. 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. New Orleans (La.) Hey, it comes with the gig.