YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. His father, Fred, is a legendary figure in Utah high school athletics, having coached at Roy High School for 19 years, followed by a six-year stint at Fremont. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . 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.) 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. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. Knowledge of sport. All rights reserved. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest "turnaround". Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. 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. 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. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). He played in the teams first jamboree game, and pretty soon Baker had seen enough. Twenty-four (Thompsons jersey number as a freshman before he switched to his current No. 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. The current defense has shut out five of its 10 regular-season opponents and held nine to fewer than 10 points. Records reflect scores in our database. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. He knew then-Central upperclassmen Christian Cornish and Dajon Johnson well. The Crimson Tide, who have the No. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. 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. Thompson had a solid freshman season, putting up 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. 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. "He asked me if I wanted to get . It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. Baker said a player of Thompsons level likely wouldve already been scooped up in the past. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. The quintet started for the C.C. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. He moved on to Gulf Shores in 2009. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. Search. He has not met Harsin. When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. Freeman's decision . Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. But he knew it. I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. So I just feel like when we let someone score, its bad.. Theres no tearing stuff down. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Jeff Ables. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. BRYAN HARSIN:'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, AUBURN BASKETBALL:I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando, Montgomery Catholic Prep is another school with consistent talent. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. 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). Hey, what are your thoughts on this player? Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Sep 17 2015. The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. 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. You dont work out anymore.. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018. I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. Whether or not thats a serious concern varies depending on the coach. He ran from the other side of the field all the way to our sideline and tackled the quarterback, Fegans said. Thompson, 52, was in his fourth season as head coach at Mira Mesa High, his alma mater. Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. 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 a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. 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. Hoover once had an infamous television show, Two-A-Days, document its football program and has won 13 state championships. Highland Home has been a revolving door of head coaches visiting Faulk, including Tennessees Josh Heupel. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. Youll find exponentially more 4X4 pickup trucks than Mercedes-Benz. After 90 minutes of talking football, Darrell Higgins couldnt believe Harsin was still in his office. That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. She said, What are you going to do about it?. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. Its miracle win to bring another state. . Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. Brown, Newsome announces retirement as coach, C. 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You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. station in the nations top 40 market where students and His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. Theyve got a great group of young players coming back.. Try a week on us. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. But that foundation is there. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. Auburn president Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach in 2022. A lot of D-I people like him, some D-IIs. But these next two weekends have special meaning. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. Thomson 56. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. No JV for you, rookie. Hey, it comes with the gig. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. Eads appreciated Harsin asking for ideas and advice about organizing a coaching clinic. 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. 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. His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. 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.. 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. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 20-14 win @ Appling County on 12/2/2022 7:30 PM. Fegans is among Alabamas latest commitments, going public last month after decommitting from Miami. Weve been talking about that for so long. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. Top Coach. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. After that, everything just clicked. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). I look forward to things to come. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). "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. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. Katy ISD. 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. He has an offer right now, but he doesnt have that ONE. Carver High School in Montgomery. 19) in over a decade. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs. Hes got what the kids call bounce.. Last years team started 3-2 and finished 3-7, but lost four games by eight points or less to talented playoff teams. Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. This fall, the Warriors completed a 9-1 regular season and are slated to start the state playoffs Friday against Florence. So if everybody took two players at the Apps and East Carolinas and Wilmingtons and all that, a lot of kids get to go play. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Freeman won four state titles during the last decade at Spanish Fort in 2011 and 2013. Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. When we are able to win and we want to win, then we are going to win.". The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. In Freemans first two seasons, Thompson finished with a 5-5 record. Then theres Mitchell, a five-star 2023 recruit whos No. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. Thompson . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Thompson went 0-10 last year and 7-23 in three years under Mike Montgomery. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. His Rebels were also runner-up in 2001 and 2005. I've got utmost confidence in everybody here and the people that we are going to have here. Its going to be scary.. In another, it makes perfect sense. He will also serve a dual role as the system athletic director for Alabaster City Schools. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. Harsin hadnt been to Thompson. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. Some 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. OK, I was a lot alarmed. It took Freeman a couple of years to get it going. Youre going to be writing about him.. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Coach John Roderique started his head coaching career for Webb City High School in 1997, taking over from Kurt Thompson, who accepted the head coach position at Coffeyville . His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. The Freeman and Floyd hirings have signaled a new era in Alabama high school football. He's also not letting ALS take away his ability to coach, even if he's had to rely on . I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. Contact Us. What more were we going to do at Spanish Fort? It also means neither of those quality coaches have yet to win a playoff game in the state's largest classification yet. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. 1 and No. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. Position: Football Coaches, San Rafael High School 23/24 Season. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Shelby County announces 2023 free landfill days, TMS students celebrate Black History Month, Thompson beats Oak Mountain to improve to 9-2, Thompson girls, boys win area opener against Tuscaloosa County. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in 3,620 Followers. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. 1 and No. 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. Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. "Rogers (High) AD Ricky Hole was close friends with my dad," MacDonald said. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. 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. Simpson spent the previous two years coaching the Eagles after taking over for Andrew Zow ahead of the 2019 season. Thompson figured his freshman season was a success, but he knew he could be better. Main Number 331-228-3100 . I think hed still be sitting there talking if I didnt have to get up and go work my kids out, Higgins said. What would make you consider a digital subscription to Shelby County Reporter? Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. The No. Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning headlines the class of 2023 as the No. 197 Posts. To the benefit of high school football in the state, theyve stayed. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. Its a hotly contested game that draws huge crowds, benefitting both programs. Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M Ed Rigby out of Pike Road: Page: of 4: Topic : He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. He said Alabama assistant Sal Sunseri visited our school at least once per week when time was permitted., Another prominent coach in Alabama who spoke on condition of anonymity, when asked the biggest difference between Alabama and Auburn, had a simple response: Coach Saban has come by and spent up to an hour visiting with us. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. 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 Tigers did not add anybody to their 2022 class on National Signing Day earlier this month. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson said. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. How much did Tommy Thompson weigh when playing? }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. The Warriors are the pride of the community, and why wouldnt they be? Like us on Facebook Ths Athletics and Follow us on Instagram THS_ATHLETICS. 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. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. In 2011, he became the head football coach at Spanish Fort High School. Going into Saturdays Class 3A state semifinal game against West Charlotte, he was averaging team bests of 19.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 steals for the Vikings, the 23rd-ranked team in the nation. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. The outworkem all came. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? How tall was Tommy Thompson? Email Steven Hoffmann. Jaiden Thompson takes flight last week against Shelby Crest. 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. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. Part of it, Thompson admits, was residue from the game of college recruiting. My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. 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. 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. Hes ranked No. Funny how hard work works. 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. Reed made such a positiveimpact that the Auburn alum was promoted this week to director of recruiting relations, adding to Harsin's arsenal. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. 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.. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. 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. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. The season before he arrived, the Warriors finished with an 0-10 record, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. 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. Website. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. And Updates from all around. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. I know people. Coach: Todd Thompson. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. 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).
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