School board meetings don't go quite like this in Alabaster. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . Weve been talking about that for so long. The Crimson Tide, who have the No. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. 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. Eads and former Pinson Valley coach Sam Shade (now at Miles College) were among the high school coaches who met Harsin at a seven-on-seven camp in summer 2021. Before the early signing period, support staffer Trovon Reed was allowed to do hands-on recruiting because Auburn had a coaching opening; the NCAA restricts the number of assistants who can make home visits, but Harsin fired offensive coordinator Mike Bobo after the regular season. He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. With three five-stars prospects and a four-star, Thompson has put together a defense that is nearly impenetrable. "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. 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. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. Faulkners first grandbaby, Thompson was, in many ways, HER heartbeat. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. 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. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. To me it made a lot of sense. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. 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. 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. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. You can cancel at any time. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. To the benefit of high school football in the state, theyve stayed. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The No. Alexander is locked in with the Crimson Tide for the second time. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). University of Northern Colorado . Thompson Warrior: Sloth Nationzz AHSFHS Master Researcher. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. 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. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. } } I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. . professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Job Summary. "He asked me if I wanted to get . That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. You cant describe him, Alexander said. 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. I grew up playing a lot of sports. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. But to be honest, there was a stretch when Thompsons light on the court had dimmed. Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. And it was Bethel who introduced him to the Vertimax, a machine designed to improve jumping ability. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. 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. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. One of Harsin's strategies in that regard has been emphasis onlocal recruiting. 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. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. 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. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. Freeman also served one year as an assistant at Minor for the 2008 season. Funny how hard work works. That was probably where it was a little frustrating for him that he wasnt able to get it there as quickly as he wanted.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. You know Peter is going to be back there somewhere. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. 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.) The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. 4) are both top-25 prospects in the country. Katy ISD. I know that theres a freshman that plays quarterback, and at the end of the day when I was a quarterback at Chelsea, I was not a quarterback I was just one of the best athletes on the team who could throw the ball OK. Thats something well look at as well. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. Please try a new search. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. 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). Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. The more kids that get on campus, you're going to see him put his stamp on the type of kids he wants to recruit.". He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. 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. San Rafael football is in search of a Junior Varsity Head Coach, Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator, Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and Varsity Linebackers coach. As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. Auburn president Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach in 2022. In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? What I like to see is somebody who keeps coming by: Coach, I know you ain't got nothing for me this year, but tell me about who does have somebody for me. Top Coach. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. 1 player in the state in the 247Sports Composite. ", Before Wade Waldrop became Hoovers coach recently, he coached five-star cornerback Jahlil Hurley at Florence. You dont work out anymore.. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. Career. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. Thompson smiled as he recalled the encounter and warned, My grandma, she has a way with words. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. It seemed it would be a Herculean task. 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. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. Website. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. Thats huge. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. I cant wait to see him play next year. It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. Instructionally, what we do, its a huge win and a home run for us to bring someone in that is as quality and professional Trey is.. I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. 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. Website. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. He spent a lot of time here talking, and he didn't have to do that. field59.ipo = { Since then, Ive made it a point to keep up with Thompson. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. The years you dont have players, they dont know your name.. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. Everybody just clicks together, Thompson explained. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. The season before he arrived, the Warriors finished with an 0-10 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. Thompsons feelings certainly werent about a lack of love for the Vikings. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. Congratulations to Jontavis Curry, Noah Story, Marcellus Brigham and Jordan Jones for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. 7 recruits played at Thompson. Fegans is among Alabamas latest commitments, going public last month after decommitting from Miami. 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. New Orleans (La.) This fall, the Warriors completed a 9-1 regular season and are slated to start the state playoffs Friday against Florence. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. Theyre not practicing the way we want them to practice. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. 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. The board approved him through a solitary personnel action. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. 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. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. BP Brandon Petersen Team 8-2 - Social Studies. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. The Warriors havent won as many as 10 games in a season since 1987. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. His bloodlines are pretty good too, with his older brother Antwon at Arkansas State and his younger brother Anquon, a class of 2025 recruit, already holding offers from Florida, Georgia and Miami, among others. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. Those were the things that helped bring him solace as he was dealing with his frustration. Jeff Ables. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Search. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. When I was principal at Montevallo, I appointed him as athletic director there because of his potential.. Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning headlines the class of 2023 as the No. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Niblett has led Hoover to three straight state titles in the AHSAA's largest classification. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. 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. That winter also is when I personally started to make my first close observations of Thompsons abilities. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. 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. He may make a turnover or take a bad shot or something like that, but with him, you dont have to coach effort.. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. Knowledge of sport. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. THS TV allows students the opportunity to work in all areas of production, including behind-the-scenes and on-camera for news programs, our "Hey Coach" show, live sports events such as football games, and other sports and entertainment programming. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. 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. WEBB CITY, Mo. Carver High School in Montgomery. Success is here.". 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. Rigby hasn't met Harsin. . Experience: 38 years Education: University of Texas Assignment: Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Wife: Teresa Children: Abby, Kate Phone: 512-414-0528 Email: jeff.ables@austinisd.org. 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. Ive just been working like crazy since then. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. 27. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . records may be incomplete. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. The quintet started. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. Its quarterback, Bennett Meredith, is committed to Northwestern. I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. It pisses us off, Alexander said. As does Thompson now. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. 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. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. There are now five. And, yes, I went on to write about him. 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. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. How well Harsin capitalizes on it can decide his future with the Tigers. But these next two weekends have special meaning. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. Buildings are filling up. Freeman won four state titles during the last decade at Spanish Fort in 2011 and 2013. He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. In the 2022 class, the state's No. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. Waldrop said he had conversations with Etheridge and Auburn defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, both of whom regularly made themselves available. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 27 min ago. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. 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. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here.