Freeman ran late for his big introduction. So how did this high school team, about 66 miles from the University of Alabama campus in a town with a population of less than 35,000, rise of out of near obscurity to become one of the best high school football programs in the country and a burgeoning pipeline for the Crimson Tide? 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. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). In the last 20 years, Alabama averaged 4.05 top-100 recruits, 7.05 top-200 and 10.3 top-300. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. I look forward to things to come. 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. I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. 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. Alabaster City Schools is planning a new high school that should be open in less than three years. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. Tell us who the coach is Ways you can help Make an impact on this team, and help keep MaxPreps up-to-date. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. There are now five. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. Success is here.". 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. San Rafael football is in search of a Junior Varsity Head Coach, Junior Varsity Offensive Coordinator, Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator, and Varsity Linebackers coach. There is no lack of challenge or ego in the region. That now makes him the highest-paid coach in Alabama high school football. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. You cant describe him, Alexander said. Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. He said he had only been given a range in the hiring and interview process. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. Id say Im athletic, Alexander said. 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. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. It had been to the playoffs only three times this century, even though a team only needs to finish in the top four in its region to qualify. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. But that foundation is there. Career. Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. 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. But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. The Warriors havent won as many as 10 games in a season since 1987. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. Media. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. A number of coaches were baffled that they haven't interacted with Auburn's head coach. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. The first-year coach Roderick Thompson of Anderson High School has had quite a journey to be a first-year head coach in high school. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. Copyright All rights reserved. 56-38 (W) Thomson @ South Atlanta. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. Tommy Thompson was born in Hutchinson, KS. Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. But everybody is just on hold with a lot of these very good high school players. 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. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Coming back here and kind of turning this program around was a big thing for me.. . The 27 . Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. 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. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. I was always that guy growing up that you could negative motivate me. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. 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. Higgins was struck by a new coach trying to learn and improve while maintaining his recruiting principles. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. Official Twitter Page of Thompson High School Athletics. If you told me, You cant do this. Then Im going to go in and do my best, Freeman said. Its very much a blue-collar, working-class community. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. 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. 2023 www.montgomeryadvertiser.com. Well, its not good for the program at Tuscaloosa County. Here's an updated ranking of how Class 7A, Region 3's salary structure adds up: The salary data isn't everything. 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. Contact Us. 1 recruit in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. There arent many words for that, Thompson says. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. Former Auburn defensive line coach Nick Eason visited Eufaula in December, but he is the only Auburn staffer Rigby has seen at the school. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. McCaskey has found its football coach for the 2021 season, which is right around the corner. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. 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. 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). You dont work out anymore.. But he acknowledges that the dynamics have changed since he was leading the Indians courting prospects. Now, theyre recruiting the freakish athlete. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. He knew it, not in a cocky way. Hoover once had an infamous television show, Two-A-Days, document its football program and has won 13 state championships. Its going to be scary.. Football. It pisses us off, Alexander said. And for that to actually happen? Theyve already landed two blue-chip recruits from Thompson in the 2022 class, and they have eyes on two more in 2023. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. But the very good, solid kid that you can win with and (have) represent the school and do the right thing, theyre holding way back on these kids right now.. 5 in the state and No. According to the 247Sports Composite, the last time 11 top-200 recruits called Alabama home was 2008. var field59 = field59 || {}; But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. 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. He knew then-Central upperclassmen Christian Cornish and Dajon Johnson well. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Everytime you can affect people, its like an adrenaline shot.. And the results speak for itself: over the past five seasons, the Warriors are 62-6. Whether or not thats a serious concern varies depending on the coach. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. Located about 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabaster is known for its industry and the minerals it mines. 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. He may make a turnover or take a bad shot or something like that, but with him, you dont have to coach effort.. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. Thompson, 52, was in his fourth season as head coach at Mira Mesa High, his alma mater. 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. Watch this highlight video of the Thomson (GA) football team in its game Recap: Thomson vs. Westside 2022 on Nov 3, 2022. 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. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. A lot of D-I people like him, some D-IIs. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. Others said the bare minimum is to have made that a top priority by now. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. New Orleans (La.) How tall was Tommy Thompson? It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. Job Summary. Taylor High School. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. The average coach in the region now makes $98,911 per year and the coaches now make a combined $791,288 in annual salary. 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 think Auburn has to make a decision: Do you want to continue to battle Georgia and Bama guys in recruiting, or do they want to just go find really good high school players and build their name off that? Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. The most accomplished high school football coach in Southeast Texas is calling it a career. Gardendale coach Chad Eads is another multi-decade coaching veteran who has seen all kinds of things that I didn't like and things I wish they wouldn't say. But he was impressed with Harsin when he and a few assistants visited recently. This fall, the Warriors completed a 9-1 regular season and are slated to start the state playoffs Friday against Florence. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. 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. Auburn president Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach in 2022. I think thats just kind of the bridge or the gray area theyre going to have to face here soon: Youre not Bama, and youre not Georgia. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. The current defense has shut out five of its 10 regular-season opponents and held nine to fewer than 10 points. I said, Im going to go get it. 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. Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. 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. He replaces Adam Wallace, who was fired after a 6-4 season that saw the Blue Devils narrowly miss the playoffs. 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. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. I grew up right down the road from Alabaster, Freeman said. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. 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. Hes got what the kids call bounce.. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. 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. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. Youre going to be writing about him.. Freeman's decision . He has heard similarly from other Birmingham coaches. 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. 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. Across the street, Swim teacher's life saved by couple's good timing, Woman dies in Friday night Tuscaloosa County crash, Golf cart-based taxi service Bama Ride in hot water with city. His record at Thompson in nine seasons is 83-18 and 21-2 in the playoffs. Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. Please try a new search. But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. 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. All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. Friday afternoon drive time on I-65 was the cause for that. Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Following the 2020-21 school year, Thompson was even named Teacher of the Year for the Ogden School District. Thompson played one year of college soccer at Indiana University where he scored five goals and one assist in 12 matches and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2013, before signing a Homegrown Player contract with San Jose Earthquakes on March 14, 2014.. Thompson made his professional debut on June 7, 2014 as an 89th-minute substitute in a 0-1 loss to Toronto FC. 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. 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.. Carver High School in Montgomery. 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. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. Sure, its great. He has a lot of rich athletic administration experience, Thompson Principal Dr. Wesley Hester said. Jesuit head coach Matt Thompson was honored Thursday (Sept. 17) at One Buc Place as the Bucs' "Coach of the Week." Thompson earned the honor following Jesuit . Where I went to high school was very similar in terms of enrollment, in terms of size and size of the community and facilities. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. 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 . Thompson was beside himself. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. I mean, if you come and play hard, its hard to get on a kid. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. The top spot belonged to . Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. Theyre not showing up for meetings on time. And (Auburns coaches) really dont have any tolerance for that in the program. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. He has an offer right now, but he doesnt have that ONE. 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. And when you put together a 60-1 record over the course of two years, it takes something special, something stronger than Xs and Os and talent. 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? Ed Rigby out of Pike Road: Page: of 4: Topic : He wanted to change the narrative.. 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. On the other hand, Vigor High School coach John McKenzie thinks Mobile is often overlooked by recruiters. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. 0. Both are top-40 nationally. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . Please subscribe to keep reading. Jaiden Thompson (3) leaving it all on the court. AUBURN The message was inspirational to the kid and an aphorism for Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, summing up his underdog recruiting mentality. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. 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. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. We have chosen to publish this Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Hes rare. 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. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. Both coaches compete in Class 7A, Region 3. The list can go on and on because Hoover and Niblett, like their counterparts Freeman and Thompson, take their football seriously. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). 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. 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. Search. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. Thompson was a critical reason the Vikings went unbeaten in the South Piedmont 3A Conference for the third year in a row. 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. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. 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. He felt he was on his way. C. JEMAL HORTON COLUMN: Central Cabarrus Thompson fulfilling his promise in more ways than one. 3) is the one you need to watch! Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. You can cancel at any time. field59.ipo = { Shelby County Schools is currently looking to fill the head coaching position at Calera High School. 5 high school football team via SB Live, was to put its undefeated record on the line against another Birmingham-area program known for. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. 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. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. This family, after all, has a close bond. "dfpConfig": { Watch this highlight video of the Thompson (Alabaster, AL) football team in its game Lipscomb Academy on Aug 27, 2022 All Contest Videos Box Score Jan 31, 2023 @ 5:51pm 5-star DB Anquon Fegans | 2022 Highlights Sophomore season highlights of Thompson's (Alabaster, AL) 5-star safety Anquon Fegans.