In a way, I was kind of alarmed. Thompson Football Staff Players (118) Staff (3) Help the team get started! Thompsons James L Simmons Stadium underwent a facelift for the 2014 season with press box improvements and new artificial turf. Coach Keith Etheredge has enjoyed watching Harsin develop relationships at the school. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. DS David Simone Team 8-3 - Language Arts. Hey, it comes with the gig. While Ganus went undrafted in 2016, he signed a free agent deal with the NFLs Minnesota Vikings in 2016. The run included a 31-game win streak, eventually snapped by Daphne late in the 2014 season. Griffin MiddleSchool team in seventh and eighth grade. 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. To sharpen his skills, he started working with a basketball trainer, Kyree Bethel, whod played at Chowan and coached one of his summer teams. It was after seeing what she knew wasnt his best self on the basketball court, that his grandma wondered about his priorities. Tommy Thompson (soccer) - Wikipedia It was 1987 when he took the reins of the Thompson Middle School team in Newport. Taylor High School. In Freemans first two seasons, Thompson finished with a 5-5 record. 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. I thought he and coach Pitts would form a really good team and relationship to help us grow Thompson athletics, Hester said. "We are going to make Friday night special," Freeman said. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. It pisses us off, Alexander said. Shade thought Harsin did a good job communicating through his assistants, especially Etheridge. He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009. Actually, me and Gavin have been talking about this since we were little boys. I wrestled, I played baseball. records may be incomplete. The Crimson Tide, who have the No. Others said the bare minimum is to have made that a top priority by now. The viral TikTok quiz, explained, Tuscaloosa McFarland Chick-fil-A is moving. 258 Following. 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. When Harsin visited Mars Hill, he was targeting three-star offensive lineman Koby Keenum, who playsa position of priority for Auburns 2023 class. Eason is at Clemson now. I dont know if Ive ever raised my voice at Jaiden, Baker said. Fegans laughs with a nod at that description. Ogden High football coach Erik Thompson not letting his battle - KSL Over the next ten seasons his teams went 101-21 and won four AISA State Championships. Hes spent this winter answering those questions unequivocally, but he wants to put an exclamation mark on it now. Eads and former Pinson Valley coach Sam Shade (now at Miles College) were among the high school coaches who met Harsin at a seven-on-seven camp in summer 2021. Email Brandon Graves. electronic communication and community service. And if when that actually comes to fruition? Search. It's the second time during the three-peat that Thompson has defeated the Red Devils (13-1) in the championship game. Tommy Thompson - pro-football-reference.com High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. "Some of those kids who didn't have all the stars that (Harsin) brought in are really good players. Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker struggles to find a fault in the 6-foot-1 Thompsons game, but if he had to nick-pick, its that hed like the low-key guard to be more vocal on the floor. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. That's very likely to change, but that's where things stand today. We try to ignore that, but at the same time, it kind of motivates us. And it was Bethel who introduced him to the Vertimax, a machine designed to improve jumping ability. Auburn is now making a push for four-star 2023 running back Jeremiah Cobb from the school. Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. Things have been up and down, kind of like a roller coaster. Griffin starting five might sound familiar to Central Cabarrus fans: Gavin Bullock, Adriel Miller, Eli Ford and Micah Murray. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. "I grew up right down the road from Alabaster," Freeman said. Freeman went 50-7 in four years with the Toros, leading them to state championships in 2012 and 2013. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. A lot of D-I people like him, some D-IIs. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. Jaiden Thompson looks to make a pass during his freshman season. CIF Fundamentals of Coaching (Information provided by district). Television Production Academy / TV & Film Home - Alabaster City Schools Matt Jackson High School Teacher/ Head Men's Basketball & Cross Country Coach. 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. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. He spent a lot of time here talking, and he didn't have to do that. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. It seemed it would be a Herculean task. It was as long as any college coach had stayed to chat. Burnet Jerod Rye stepped down after two seasons and a 10-11 record at the District. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. That tough style of play, a hard-nosed defensive mindset, has an aligning charm with the city of Alabaster. Website. 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. 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 graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and went on to play at Louisiana College. Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. Coach: Todd Thompson. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. It went out and hired one of the best coaches in the state and dedicated resources to support the football team. Harsins future was under the microscope in February during an internal investigationinvolving his treatment of players and staff. 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. We have chosen to publish this information in hopes our visitors will participate in assisting us to complete every school. Everybodys thinking about the recruiting process, Thompson said. Its miracle win to bring another state. These coaches have done a great job of laying that foundation. Mira Mesa High football coach Chris Thompson dies at 52 - MSN "I know I am saying blessed a lot, but what a day. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Wayne Vickers said Freeman's first day on the job will be Jan. 5, 2015. Thatd be like a tear-jerker moment. Thompson's Jake Ganus hired as Moody football coach Its obviously different, but honestly thats what drew me to Moody from Thompson, Ganus said, because of where Im from and where I played at Chelsea. That both teams are so talented and competitive makes Alabama high school football better. I believe all the state schools beside (Alabama) and Tuskegee University can do a better job with in-state recruiting. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7. He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Football Coaches High School Season Job San Rafael California USA His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. Even still, Thompson didnt seem like a place to win big. Its so rewarding what we deal with. "global": { He also coached softball, powerlifting, girls and boys basketball. Thomson 56. Calera High School is searching for a new head football coach after Trey Simpson, above, joined Thompson High School in an athletic administration role. So if you can do it at that level, you can do it at an SEC level.. PORTSMOUTH Aquidneck Island native and Portsmouth resident Keith MacDonald vividly remembers how he got his first football coaching job. Theres no tearing stuff down. Two of those four, edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander and cornerback Trequon Fegans, are verbally committed to Alabama in the class of 2022. 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. He needed to hit that growth spurt, and he needed to become familiar with the weight room. McCaskey football tabs assistant Ben Thompson as head coach for 2021 Thompson Tough: Ogden High football coach leading team while battling 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. 4) are both top-25 prospects in the country. 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 both programs are in the Birmingham metro area is a feather in the cap for the Crimson Tide football program, which is just a short ride away. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. You need to go to a private school (to get recruited better). I was like, Why would I go anywhere? In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School. Im just trying to go MY way. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Ganus arrived on campus to meet with the Blue . Theyll offer that kid early. 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. His grandma, of course, will be with his grandpa, his mother and his uncle cheering Thompson on, hopefully for the next two weekends. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Also, for the past three seasons, Thompson has been the Vikings leading scorer, with each campaign ending with the SPC titles. All those clichs about the best player on the team being the hardest worker on the team, yada, yada, yada? 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 asked me if I wanted to get . You dont work out anymore.. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Football | Thompson Middle School 3) is the one you need to watch! And weve never seen Coach Harsin on campus.. He was later released and eventually joined the Thompson coaching staff, coaching linebackers. Freeman is a large part of the answer to his own question. Experience: 38 years Education: University of Texas Assignment: Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Wife: Teresa Children: Abby, Kate Phone: 512-414-0528 Email: jeff.ables@austinisd.org. Visit our website for info. He had been battling bone cancer, but is believed to have succumbed to complications from COVID-19. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? Rigby hasn't met Harsin. Team 8-4 - Language Arts, AVID. Our offense will be spread, tempo. In the 2022 class, the state's No. "I think every team wants to win. Anderson set the state's all-time record for career victories earlier this season. "Most of the kids growing up here, most of them aspire to play for Auburn; it's their hometown,"Etheredge said. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. Suddenly, the window rolled down and a man called out, Horton! The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. 1 player in the state in the 247Sports Composite. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released 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. BRYAN HARSIN:'The first one changes you': Coaches recall their debuts in the Iron Bowl, a game that determines longevity, AUBURN BASKETBALL:I tried to score over college basketball's greatest shot blocker, Walker Kessler | Durando, Montgomery Catholic Prep is another school with consistent talent. I watched him in the Gadsden City game. Win the battle in my backyard at all costs. Big-time high school football in Alabama can be classified as an arms race. On 11/25, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against South Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) by a score of 56-38. Jaiden Thompson (3) is introduced before a Central Cabarrus game. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. I really dont. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. For us to win a state championship at Central Cabarrus, that would mean everything to me and the guys, Thompson added. Or, shoot, even making it to the NBA. The fact that neither Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson are among the three highest-paid coaches in their own region is surprising. That didnt take away that occasional feeling that comes with a lost love, though, or one you feel is slipping away. Before that, I couldnt even get the rim, Thompson said. 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. 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. For 2023, the only states with more top-100 recruits are Florida and Texas. Wyoming Cowboys 2023 football schedule released. But in middle school is also when Thompsons love for the game took its first arrow. 1 and No. 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. And she could see right through him. 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. Make them your biggest fans.. Sophomore year, I knew I was pretty good, but I had a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, Thompson said. Career. Funny how hard work works. The Warriors went 5-5 in each of his first two seasons in 2015 and 2016. News Sports Hookem.com Austin360 Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries . 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. Main Number 331-228-3100 . Heck, if theres anything more important to him than his biological family, its this group of guys and their coaches. Im a finesse cornerback even though I can hit, Fegans said. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. A number of coaches were baffled that they haven't interacted with Auburn's head coach. And Woods is a five-star 2023 defensive lineman who has programs all over the country begging for his services, too. During the 90-minute office conversation with Higgins, Harsin discussed how hes trying to learn more about Southern culture and the kids here. The TV & Film Academy is also the home of THS TV, Thompson High School's student-run newscast. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Im not choosing sides on Alabama-Auburn, Rigby says, but the most important recruiting trait to him is when a college coach visits even in those years when the high school doesnt have top-rated players. Shes real aggressive sometimes, but I love her. Instructionally, what we do, its a huge win and a home run for us to bring someone in that is as quality and professional Trey is.. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. Cornel Thompson, who led West Orange-Stark to four state championship games and won two of them, told . Thompsons feelings certainly werent about a lack of love for the Vikings. This was what hed wanted for most of his basketball life: to don that Green and Gold. 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. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. Lakeshore announces Danny Thompson as the school's new head football coach He was the offensive coordinator at Middleville High School since 2018.