Cornel Thompson, who led West Orange-Stark to four state championship games and won two of them, told . Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. I would see everybody get these offers, and sometimes people base their lives on one game. 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. Alabaster City Schools approved Freeman as the new head football coach at Thompson on Friday. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Everytime you can affect people, its like an injection of energy. Freeman will be well-compensated for his efforts. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. If were being honest, its going to be hard to get multiple kids against Georgia or Alabama, Johnson said. Working with him before, it was a fortunate opportunity for us to have this chance to bring him on board.. Katy ISD. Thompson . . WEBB CITY, Mo. 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. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. 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. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. Central has played for the 7A championship in three of the last four seasons, beating Thompson 52-7 in 2018 . 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. One part of the team that will be missing is a starting quarterback, as A.J. Several high school coachessaid college coaches often don't do a sufficient job preparing players for the grind during recruitment, which leads to athletes being blindsided and more likely to leave. 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. In 2023, the state has 11 of the top 100. Im not a fan of anybody, but I just respected him coming in and talking about getting the culture right, Gardner said. That facility will also come with a new football stadium. Thompson Football Documents. Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . He will make a yearly stipend of $4,988. Ganus played high school ball at Chelsea and played linebacker at UAB prior to the closure of the Blazers football program in 2014. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. Those were the things that helped bring him solace as he was dealing with his frustration. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Woods brings quickness and power to the position that Alabama could definitely use. The outworkem all came. Jeff Ables. 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. As of Wednesday, the plan is to play. Please subscribe to keep reading. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. "This is going to be a great day for our kids,' Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said. In another, it makes perfect sense. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. "It's not a hard place to recruit to. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Auburns top signee in the 2022 class was Williamson linebacker Robert Woodyard, a flipped commitment from Alabama. Theyve got a great group of young players coming back.. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. Both are top-40 nationally. Join us in the forums to submit corrections and new information. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. He was Alabamas first verbal commitment in the 2022 class when he made his decision in March 2020. 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. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signed The San Jose Earthquakes have re-signed homegrown defender Tommy Thompson through the 2023 MLS season with an option for 2024, the club announced Tuesday. Auburn president Jay Gogue announced Feb. 11 that Harsin will remain the coach in 2022. It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. A lot of D-I people like him, some D-IIs. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) - Erik Thompson was born to be a football coach. 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. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). That defeat still rings in the ears of the team, especially the defense, which isnt accustomed to teams crossing the goal line once, never mind how many times Hoover did. Coach Freeman and Thompson football have had a lot of positive impact. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. People were telling me, You need to transfer. Taylor High School. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Join to view profile Thompson Valley High School. 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. 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 . 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. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. 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. 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. 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. 74 overall in the 2023 class. "global": { What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. You trust your evaluation of kids. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. How many games did Tommy Thompson play? Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. 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. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. But its worked out really great.. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. That discrepancy was at the center of Auburn's recent turmoil. I cant wait to see him play next year. Theres no tearing stuff down. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. I would be real timid the next game and not be aggressive and show what I could actually do.. Hoover City Schools pays its football coaches the same $47,741 stipend. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . The Advertiser spoke to 14 Alabama high school coaches about how Auburn has recruited their programs. Salary: Tony Gaines Show More Show Less 5 of 93. "I want everyone else to know we are going to be a major player in everything we do for our children," Vickers said. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. No passion missing; it burns like hot fish grease in Thompson, and his coach loves the way he is. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. Last years team started 3-2 and finished 3-7, but lost four games by eight points or less to talented playoff teams. I think Auburn's going to be OK," Pouncey said. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 56-38 win @ South Atlanta on 11/25/2022 6:00 PM. Forced to reckon with established powers, what has Harsin done to make recruiting inroads in his first 14 months? 27. It was late January, and Harsin and receivers coach Eric Kiesau were visiting Mars Hill Bible School in Florence. 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. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media 0. Youre going to be writing about him.. 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.". Youll find exponentially more 4X4 pickup trucks than Mercedes-Benz. Weve got some guys here that have got to get on board. 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. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. How can we make Moody more successful. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. But this transfer portal has really hurt a kid like Jaiden because the decision for these college coaches is, Do I take a high school kid, or do I wait and see if I can find somebody in the portal that may have played at a little bit lower level but the kid is averaging seven points and four rebounds and has a year of experience under him? This whole portal thing, I think, has hurt the true high school kid.. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. He coached for 10 seasons at Bessemer Academy, winning AISA titles in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. 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. 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. Thatd be like a dream come true, especially to my mom, my grandma, my grandpa (Nick Corry) and my uncle. Its allowed five points per game, and 24 of those came in the regular-season finale a loss to nearby power Hoover. It was a chance, but we knew it would be risky because we were in a great job in a great place. 0:36. Shade, a former Alabama player, enjoyed his conversations with Harsin and thought Harsin was a good Auburn ambassador. The current defense has shut out five of its 10 regular-season opponents and held nine to fewer than 10 points. Jaiden Thompson (3) flies high to block a shot. 3,620 Followers. "It is going to be special.". But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. His overall record in 16 years of coaching is 164-37, including a 30-8 playoff mark. {{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. 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. We weren't able to find anything that matched your search criteria. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. 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. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. My uncle was a football star here, so carrying on the tradition was pretty dope, Thompson. 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. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. The 2023 class is even better, led by two five-stars: Cornerback Tony Mitchell (No. 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. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. Freeman had a tremendous run in the private school ranks in Alabama Independent School Association football at Bessemer Academy before he moved to Alabama High School Athletic Association public football. (Hurley recently committed to Alabama.). The Tigers' first 2023 commit is also from Auburn High: four-star offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. The coaching part of it? Near Birmingham, Gardendales Kelby Collins is No. Auburns staffparticularly Etheridge and director of high school relations Brendt Bedsole, a former high school coachhas impressed high school coaches. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. Jaiden Thompson (3) leaving it all on the court. (Photo of Jeremiah Alexander: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). As for his immediate plans at Moody, Ganus said that he was looking to build on the recent success the team has found. They advanced to the state semifinals in 2017 and the state championship game in 2018 before winning state titles in 2019 and 2020. That was probably where it was a little frustrating for him that he wasnt able to get it there as quickly as he wanted.. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. Hes rare. 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. Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. So I just feel like when we let someone score, its bad.. I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. I was like, Yeah, I can really do this, if I put my mind to it, Thompson recalled. Harsin's message on the recruiting trail has been firm:Auburn wants a specific type of player who is ready to love football and meet his demanding standards. Its going to be scary.. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Thats what I actually LOVE about this team. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. This is a year when Rigby does have players most notably four-star defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre and three-star offensive lineman Patrick Screws. And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. 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. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. 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. Funny how hard work works. 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. His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. 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). That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. }; Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. Later, the same call was made on Bullock. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 20-14 win @ Appling County on 12/2/2022 7:30 PM. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Alexander is locked in with the Crimson Tide for the second time. Top Coach. Hewitt-Trussville had set the bar high with its hiring of Josh Floyd earlier this summer. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. In 2011, he became the head football coach at Spanish Fort High School. After National Signing Day, Harsin hadnot visited Montgomery Catholic, which is 50 minutes from Auburn. 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. CIF Fundamentals of Coaching (Information provided by district). Freeman, 55, told AL.com at the meeting that he hadn't even seen his contract or knew his final salary number. Ganus said hes excited to helm the Blue Devils, even though it will be much different than his work with Thompson. His grandma, of course, will be with his grandpa, his mother and his uncle cheering Thompson on, hopefully for the next two weekends. 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. Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! It marks the second time in the last three seasons that the Eagles will be looking for a new head coach in the month of June as Simpson took over the job from Zow in June 2019. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. He will receive a salary package as a teacher, football coach and system athletics director that will pay him $121,000 annually. 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. Out of all of the public high school football coaches, Joseph is the highest-paid. "dfpConfig": { ", Before Wade Waldrop became Hoovers coach recently, he coached five-star cornerback Jahlil Hurley at Florence. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma would probably be the biggest thing ever.. One region athletic director told AL.com earlier this year that he feared an "arms race" might be upon us. I wrestled, I played baseball. Area school systems were able to provide requested financial data for each head football coach. Some names on that C.C. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. CONCORD The thumping of the ball against the hardwood, the symphony of screeching sneaker rubber echoing throughout the gym used to be metaphors for Jaiden Thompsons heartbeat. Win those battles, keep as many people home, and love, love, love on those high school coaches. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. After that, everything just clicked. Job Summary. 19) in over a decade. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. us to complete every school. 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. information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs.
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