The difference between the salaries at Hoover and Spain Park are based in education credits for each teacher within the teacher salary. When I heard that, I said, Yeah, Ive got to do something about this, he said. In the spring of 1978, Dodge's freshman year at Jefferson, the school hired a new coach, former Yellow Jacket Ronnie Thompson, to restore some pride in the football team. In a way, I was kind of alarmed. 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. . Following almost every activity whether its a win, a loss, or a practice you see Thompsons signature Outworkem All expression on social media. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. The board approved him through a solitary personnel action. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Career. Mark Freeman is the new head football coach at Thompson High School. He will get an extension to his contract of $13,068.60 as a 12-month employee. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. How many games did Tommy Thompson play? While at Bessemer Academy, Coach Freeman also served as the head baseball coach. High school sports greats who died in 2022, 2022 high school football state champions, Georgia football state championship games. Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released. A four-star recruit, hes ranked No. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. The answer to that is Freeman. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. I can work as good as anybody, Freeman said. Hes ranked No. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. 2022 Thompson Football Schedule; Football Information; Thompson Middle School 705 West Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 . Were like a family. He takes over for Kyle Sprenkle, who resigned in January after seven seasons to help his. 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 . Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. 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. But these next two weekends have special meaning. I think the wrestling and how I use my hands contributed to the player I am today.. All rights reserved (About Us). Thompson . Coming back here and kind of turning this program around was a big thing for me.. I really dont. Media. And the results speak for itself: over the past five seasons, the Warriors are 62-6. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. I think you get the inspiration, its like an injection of energy. Theyve probably done the best job as far as being seen; Hes been here multiple times, coach Marcus Gardner said. Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. But after realizing that I wanted it for myself, then things just started to pick up.. Theres no tearing stuff down. Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star football game seven consecutive seasons. 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. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 27 min ago. I always said why is Thompson never getting over the hill?. Faulkner had been helping take care of Jaiden since he was yay high, back when he and his mother, Keyna Ricks, first moved back to Concord after a stint in Charlotte. 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. 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. His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. 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? Hoover recently snapped Thompsons 27-game winning streak, and the two seem to be on a collision course to meet in the playoffs this season too. 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. Thomson's stats have been entered for the 32-27 win vs. Fitzgerald on 12/9/2022 12:00 PM. 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. Thompson figured his freshman season was a success, but he knew he could be better. And Faulkner, direct as they come, wanted answers. 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. You can cancel at any time. 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. Another thing that needs context is how hyper competitive Class 7A, Region 3 football is within the state. That's what Freeman's glowing resume is expected to bring. THS Athletics. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. When Ed Rigby coached junior college football in Mississippi, a colleague told him an essential truth about recruiting that has stuck with him through his three decades in the industry: In the years that you have players, you are everybodys best friend. A lot of people thought Oh you just got a great coach. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among those who have taken notice. 19) in over a decade. He wants to be recruited at the highest level possible, but he doesnt fret about it, either. 7 recruits played at Thompson. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. The results are clear on the field but Alabaster City Schools Superintendent, Dr, Wayne Vickers believes Coach Freemans impact is just as prominent off the field. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. "global": { Katy ISD. Thompson coach Mark Freeman sent Hardy, who had missed an extra point in the first quarter, back on the field for a game-winning 35-yard goal try with four seconds remaining. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . You have permission to edit this article. Youll find exponentially more 4X4 pickup trucks than Mercedes-Benz. Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Its allowed five points per game, and 24 of those came in the regular-season finale a loss to nearby power Hoover. He and AU defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge are close friends. Alabama High School Football History Thompson Coaches Thompson Warriors The AHSFHS.org Fan Shop Some records may be incomplete. His teacher contract will be $46,113 annually. Waldrop said he had conversations with Etheridge and Auburn defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, both of whom regularly made themselves available. Eason was also frequently praised for his recruiting. It's a recurring theme: Seven of the 14 coaches who spoke with the Advertiser hadnot met Harsin. Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. I would be real timid the next game and not be aggressive and show what I could actually do.. Thompson was approved as Spring Grove's new coach Monday night. And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. In the 2022 class, the state's No. 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. That season,. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. The meeting was adjourned quickly and the head coach was brought in to welcome him into the chamber. Ive made a living off of beating a lot of four- and five-star kids with guys like you., Its awesome for a kid to get to hear that, Etheredge said. Tommy Thompson was born in Hutchinson, KS. Being able to keep that promise for my grandma? University of Northern Colorado . Thompson has won back-to-back state championships in the states highest classification and is a prime contender for another this season. 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. 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. Quite frankly, thats the way the locals like it. 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). Auburn hadn't signed an Auburn High School player since 2009, but Harsin landed offensive lineman Eston Harris Jr. and linebacker Powell Gordon in 2022. 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. With his wife already a little miffed at him from moving away from Gulf Shores, Freeman didnt have any thoughts of leaving Spanish Fort for another high school job. 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. Reed made such a positiveimpact that the Auburn alum was promoted this week to director of recruiting relations, adding to Harsin's arsenal. Top Coach. BP Brandon Petersen Team 8-2 - Social Studies. Make them your biggest fans.. 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.. 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.. How do you go from that 6-4 year and what ways can I get our kids over that hump. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. An extended COVID-19 recruiting dead period ended June 1, 2021. I wrestled, I played baseball. How tall was Tommy Thompson? I knew he had a plane to get to, and I kept trying to hurry him out, Eads said. Higgins was impressed. 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. Alabaster City Schools is planning a new high school that should be open in less than three years. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. 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. I got outta there as fast as my Nissan with the lawn mower engine could go. Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! It would turn out to be the most heavily-attended board meeting for a school system that's still just in its toddler years. It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. You know Peter is going to be back there somewhere. Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. 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. 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. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. Copyright All rights reserved. Is Tommy Thompson in the Hall of Fame? The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? 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. But to be honest, there was a stretch when Thompsons light on the court had dimmed. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. I have a great team, a great family, and we could actually win this whole thing.. I watched him in the Gadsden City game. OK, I was a lot alarmed. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had . Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. You trust your evaluation of kids. Griffin Middle School squad. Harsins first signing class was Auburns lowest-ranked (No. 1 and No. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. 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. Photographer Kenny Grimes has posted a new gallery Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final) containing 104 photos. Truth be told, Freeman and Hoover coach Josh Niblett could be on college coaching staffs if they chose to be. Thompson was beside himself. Ed Rigby out of Pike Road: Page: of 4: Topic : 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. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. And Updates from all around. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Both are top-40 nationally. 7 recruits played at Thompson. 4) are both top-25 prospects in the country. Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. When Etheridge visited in January, it was the first and only time we have communicated with Auburn. Vigor has two rising talents: junior defensive end Michael Towner and freshman offensive lineman Micha Debose. 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. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl leads the Cowboys onto the field before their game against Utah . Main Number 331-228-3100 . While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. resigned from his position after four very successful years, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Its so rewarding what we deal with. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. Lets just say that over the years, my writings have agitated some. {{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. Search. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. Thompson High School Head Football Coach Mark Freeman is the face of the Thompson Warriors, the 3-time defending Class 7A State Champions. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. Former star Marlon Humphrey was an All-American at Alabama and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Floyd was approved to receive $120,000 per year in annual compensation. 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. 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. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. The quintet started. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. 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. At Eufaula, Rigby says Alabama assistant Charles Kelly is good at staying in touch. Jaiden Thompson (3) leaving it all on the court. But by last fall, basketball was anything but that for Thompson. You couldnt really see it, unless you had Phyllis Anns keen eyes. In his third season, the results started to show. High School Teacher jobs 25,325 open jobs Building Supervisor jobs 25,132 open jobs . The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. 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. Sep 17 2015. 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. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. Hoover also puts out quality Division I players. A number of coaches were baffled that they haven't interacted with Auburn's head coach. He will receive a salary package as a teacher, football coach and system athletics director that will pay him $121,000 annually. He coached for almost 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. He is now at Westwood; former defensive coordinator Roderick Thompson has been named the interim head coach. But Johnson was confused that we just signed three defensive players to major universities, and only one of them had an Auburn offer. (Two went to Clemson; the other to Tennessee.) The Alabaster City Schools website includes a tagline in cursive script that reads "Champions of our Future" on every page. What we got to do when we go to work is we are going to put the able to win together with the want to win. Im a finesse cornerback even though I can hit, Fegans said. Hes a five-star rated prospect and the No. All rights reserved. Thompson smiled as he recalled the encounter and warned, My grandma, she has a way with words. One said Harsin's continued absence is "just insane to me." We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. In the four years before Thompson and Bullock got to campus, the Vikings won a total of 33 games. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. 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. The additions come as KFC recently removed some menu items, including wings, popcorn chicken and cookies, to make room for new additions. She was just sad and disappointed to watch me like that. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. records may be incomplete. 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. Wherever the quarterback is, you know Peter is going to be there.. 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. She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. Tommy Thompson weighed 192 lbs (87 kg) when playing. The two lowest-paid coaches on this salary scale both led their teams to the playoffs in 2014. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. #alpreps https://t.co/F9GZmsQwGo, "Every team when that game kicks off they want to win," Freeman said. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. He has his second chance, but his recruiting remains an urgent issue. 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.. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. Website. Our offense will be spread, tempo. The Warriors (13-1) captured a third straight 7A championship while making a fourth straight Super 7 appearance. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue Devils in a private team meeting at 11:30 a.m. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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). Its a sort of throwback team, considering how offense is so valued in the game of football today. He spent a lot of time here talking, and he didn't have to do that. I look forward to things to come.