thompson high school football coaches

His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. Thompson took another step forward in 2018, advancing to the Class 7A State Championship Game. His Rebels were also runner-up in 2001 and 2005. But later, Western Carolina pulled back its offer because of a coaching change. 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. People were telling me, You need to transfer. 11 in the 247Sports Composite and already stands 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. And thats OK. Be your own program and stop missing out on really good Alabama kids because Alabama didn't offer them.. I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. 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. "He asked me if I wanted to get . 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. Baker, who had a decorated career as the head coach at Catawba College, believes Thompson, who carries a 3.8 GPA, will win the recruiting game. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. Now, hell join ACS and Thompson High School in an athletic administrative role alongside athletic director Vincent Pitts and others in the department, while also continuing his role as a special education teacher. Website. He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. var field59 = field59 || {}; She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. 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. Moore heard those private-school whispers, too. Shortly after that meeting ended, the new coach spoke about the challenges and opportunity of taking over at Moody. The No. 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. We also add a fantastic teacher to our school building. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. Ive lived my life thinking I can (out)work people. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. Thats huge. The years you dont have players, they dont know your name.. Area school systems were able to provide requested financial data for each head football coach. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Thompson figured his freshman season was a success, but he knew he could be better. Records reflect scores in our database. His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. 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. Longtime Thompson coach Mark Freeman said that he has never met Harsinwhen asked after National Signing Day. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. You have permission to edit this article. 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. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. Oh, he was still a really good player for Central Cabarrus, a team hed helped to a 30-1 record the previous season, all while being named the player of the year in his conference. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. Theyll offer that kid early. Job Summary. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. In the blackness of night, a car rolled up beside me. Please subscribe to keep reading. Thomson 56. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. Ed Rigby out of Pike Road: Page: of 4: Topic : THS Athletics. So, again, the question must be answered: How did a team that went 0-10 before Freemans arrival and hadnt had a winning season since 2006 turn into a showcase national program? Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. The coaching part of it? {{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. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. That's the predominately Birmingham-based region in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's largest playing classification. "I think they can recruit with the best they've proved that in the past. That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. Career. Ty Branyon. 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 High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. 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. Coach Kirk Johnson has handled the football teams recruiting for a number of years, developing ties at Auburn. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. Its allowed five points per game, and 24 of those came in the regular-season finale a loss to nearby power Hoover. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. Tommy Thompson weighed 192 lbs (87 kg) when playing. 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. 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 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. Football Coach jobs Tennis Coach jobs Camp Director jobs Head Football Coach jobs . You know Peter is going to be back there somewhere. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. Mostly, though, Thompson nurses his gift in rigorous practice sessions, has fun with his teammates, shows up on game night, and fills up a box score as the Vikings put opponents out of their misery. The list can go on and on because Hoover and Niblett, like their counterparts Freeman and Thompson, take their football seriously. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. No passion missing; it burns like hot fish grease in Thompson, and his coach loves the way he is. Position: Coach - JV Football - Davis Senior High School, July-November 2023, $3,366.00/season. You dont work out anymore.. In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300. Thompson smiled as he recalled the encounter and warned, My grandma, she has a way with words. 0:36. 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. Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A. Thompson was a critical reason the Vikings went unbeaten in the South Piedmont 3A Conference for the third year in a row. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,95765933/wvua23.com/football-friday&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1677958717&cust_params=category=Football%20Friday%2CHigh%20School%20Sports%2CSports&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvua23.com%2Foutside-the-huddle-thompson-high-school-head-coach-mark-freeman%2F&post=189033" Tommy Thompson was 6-1 (185 cm) tall. WEBB CITY, Mo. "dfpConfig": { But it wasnt an, Absolutely, yeah, Ill do it. But then I started thinking about it. Coach: Todd Thompson. Johnson calls former Auburn assistant Travis Williams probably the best freaking recruiter Ive ever been around.. There are now five coaches in Class 7A, Region 3 that pay their head football coach a combined salary of more than $100,000 per season. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. 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. Im just trying to go MY way. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. With three five-stars prospects and a four-star, Thompson has put together a defense that is nearly impenetrable. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Ive just been working like crazy since then. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. What more were we going to do at Spanish Fort? Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. 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. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. . He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. Auburn High School coach Keith Etheredge heard Harsin say it: You may not have all those stars, but Ive seen you play. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. 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. That's what Freeman's glowing resume is expected to bring. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. That winter also is when I personally started to make my first close observations of Thompsons abilities. There have been a ton of (recruiters) whove seen him. Playing ball was what hed done for so long, he almost was on auto-pilot out there. Both coaches compete in Class 7A, Region 3. Media. I cant wait to see him play next year. 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. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. 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. He wants to keep the promise he made to his grandma before the season: no distractions, nothing but his best as he strives for his best. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. 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. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. 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. 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. 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. Success is here.". 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.) Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster You can cancel at any time. It gives a kid a lot of fire.. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. 7 recruits played at Thompson. 197 Posts. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in 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. 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 2023 class is even better, led by two five-stars: Cornerback Tony Mitchell (No. Its going to be scary.. The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. Some I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. ALABASTER, Alabama -- A member of the central office staff at Alabaster City Schools looked around the school board room at the Alabaster Municipal Building Friday afternoon. Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. Others said the bare minimum is to have made that a top priority by now. Email Steven Hoffmann. 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. This will be Ganuss first head coaching position. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. This fall, the Warriors completed a 9-1 regular season and are slated to start the state playoffs Friday against Florence. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice. Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. It pisses us off, 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. University of Northern Colorado . 5 in the state and No. 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. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. Both are top-40 nationally. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. Central has played for the 7A championship in three of the last four seasons, beating Thompson 52-7 in 2018 . Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. In his third season, the results started to show. One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." Thompsons feelings certainly werent about a lack of love for the Vikings. But when the opportunity opened at Thompson for an athletic administrator and a special education teacher, Hester and Simpson both knew it was the right fit. Try a week on us. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Those totals did not include any monies received from head football coaches for their football camps. Fegans laughs with a. . He may make a turnover or take a bad shot or something like that, but with him, you dont have to coach effort.. Tommy Thompson was born in Hutchinson, KS. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. Despite its relatively new facilities a new high school opened in 2018 at 360,000 square feet at a cost of $88 million one wouldnt describe Alabaster as fancy. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. And, yes, I went on to write about him. Coach Freemans football program has a trademark phrase. Thompson was beside himself. station in the nations top 40 market where students and 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. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. Hes been involved in multiple sports arenas as far as coaching goes, but hes also shown success in athletic administration. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! He wanted to change the narrative.. And save for his first year with Concord Parks and Rec, when he scored a basket in the opposing teams hoop, he was good, too. 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. 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. I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. The 2019 season began a streak of three consecutive state football championships for Thompson High School. 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 . That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. 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. Ronald H. Thompson (born c. 1944) is a former American football coach. You cant describe him, Alexander said. Whether or not thats a serious concern varies depending on the coach. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. The school board meeting to welcome Freeman has swelled to near capacity some 15 minutes before the board meeting. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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 knows theyll be there after that, too, no matter where he is in life. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. field59.ipo = { That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. I said, Im going to go get it. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. Funny how hard work works. Thompson graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. Experience: 16 years Education: Texas A&M 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. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. In another, it makes perfect sense. 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. Football Coaches. resigned from his position after four very successful years, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. All rights reserved (About Us). Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. Eason is at Clemson now. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. Brown, Newsome announces retirement as coach, C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: A Vikings program thats been great the past 2 years looks ready to take next step, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, A Pig Deal: Cannon Ballers changing the name, Cabarrus Sheriffs Office makes major drug bust with cocaine, fentanyl, cash seized, Bojangles offering fish sandwich during Lent, Concord man sentenced to 10 years for fentanyl and firearm offenses, Elizabeth Holmes gives birth to second child while seeking to further delay imprisonment, BOYS BASKETBALL: Ball doesnt bounce Concord Academys way in NCISAA 3A finals defeat to Greensboro Day, WeBuild buys historic Concord church for affordable housing, mixed use, Friday Five: New brewery, downtown streetscape and Barber-Scotia update. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. I wrestled, I played baseball. Alabaster is the 16th largest city in the state, but its high school is home to more than 2,000 students with the population growing over the past couple of decades.