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. 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. When I was principal at Montevallo, I appointed him as athletic director there because of his potential.. WEBB CITY, Mo. Career. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy. Class 7A is the biggest classification in the AHSAA, which makes Freeman the architect of the biggest turnaround. They do so with a collection of talent on defense that stirs the imagination. It kind of started in seventh grade, Thompson said. 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). Jaiden Thompson (3) shoots the J with a hand in his face. And the results speak for itself: over the past five seasons, the Warriors are 62-6. Those who have met Harsin and spent time with him were left with a positive impression of an honest, down-to-business recruiter. 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. From there, he was recruited to the University of Georgia. 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. Please try a new search. After graduation, he coached at various high schools. 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. How do those salary ranges compare to the rest of Class 7A, Region 3? She had never seen the room that full and the specially-called board meeting was still about 15 minutes away. What I like to see is you actually show up, Rigby said. The others welcomed him because he could play and was a great teammate. I know that theres a freshman that plays quarterback, and at the end of the day when I was a quarterback at Chelsea, I was not a quarterback I was just one of the best athletes on the team who could throw the ball OK. Thats something well look at as well. Jeff Sentell covers prep sports for AL.com and the Birmingham News. Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. That followed time at Montevallo where he also served as the head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bulldogs. Proudly Managed & Hosted by Adam Black Media Man died Wednesday. 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? But by the fall of his senior season, there he was in that preseason game, with his grandma staring from the bleachers, disappointed but mostly concerned. Ben Thompson, an assistant on Sam London's staff the last two seasons, will be the Red Tornado's . High school coaches who have been visited by Harsin in the last year have appreciated his honesty and his straightforward approach. When the recruiting contact period started last fall, Harsin was the first college coach to bring his full recruiting staff to the school. 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. Volunteer Roster last updated on Feb 16, 2023 @ 5:45pm (GMT) Print Roster Correction All-Time Roster But weve got an outstanding individual that loves our kids and loves our parents, loves our school system.. Jesuit High School football is off to a good start this fall, with three wins in three games. Ive just been working like crazy since then. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The last time I checked, back when I was at Catawba, we had 33 schools in North Carolina that were offering D-I and D-II scholarships. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 2 in Alabama) and defensive lineman Peter Woods (No. 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. Coaches are paid a stipend at the end of the season for their work. On 12/9, the Thomson varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Fitzgerald (GA) by a score of 32-27. He has built a powerhouse at Thompson winning four state championships in a row. 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. Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, ranked as the nation's No. Thompson and Bullock were among a group that participated in a workout with the team. On 12/2, the Thomson varsity football team won their away playoff game against Appling County (Baxley, GA) by a score of 20-14. They understand what that does for high school that makes it an exciting day when Coach Harsin or Coach Saban shows up.. I kind of fell out of love with the game, Thompson admits as he sits in Central Cabarrus empty auxiliary gym earlier this year. He was THAT good. Website. Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. You know Peter is going to be back there somewhere. Those totals did not include any monies received from head football coaches for their football camps. Sep 17 2015. 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. The answer to that is Freeman. 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. . Last years team started 3-2 and finished 3-7, but lost four games by eight points or less to talented playoff teams. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. I think that you trust your evaluation, and you don't put too much emphasis on the stars. Once that first game came and everything was so quick and easy, I was just (snaps fingers), Yeah, I can do this.. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Josh Floyd was hired by earlier this month for $121,000 per season. (Jeff Sentell/jsentell@al.com). He has not met Harsin. Hes built similarly to former Tide outside linebacker Ryan Anderson. When Harsin visited Mars Hill, he was targeting three-star offensive lineman Koby Keenum, who playsa position of priority for Auburns 2023 class. He even led the team with 2.7 steals for a squad that went from six wins the year before to 17. These days, Thompsons love for the game cant be questioned. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Thompson's commitment to Freeman shows that the program is now joining that competition. Thompson paused, realizing that that day had been his moment of clarity. field59.ipo = { 2 class in 2022, are reaping the benefit of another nationally relevant football program in their backyard. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Alabaster, AL thompsonwarriors.org Joined February 2016. The Thompson-Hoover rivalry has become one of the best in the state. Especially in the Mobile area, McKenzie wrote in a text. Hoover has faced it plenty over the years. That means his teams have played for a title in eight of the 16 seasons he's been a head coach. (Photo of Jeremiah Alexander: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). Theyve got a great group of young players coming back.. I can catch the ball, and if I catch it, Ill probably score. The Class 7A team hasnt been to the playoffs since going 8-4 in 2006. He had a two-year stint at Gulf Shores before Spanish Fort lured him away. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2022 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA Class 2A, Photos: Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Final), Photos: Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (GHSA 2A Championship). His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state championship with a win over Muscle Shoals in the title game. That winter also is when I personally started to make my first close observations of Thompsons abilities. professionals work together to achieve the highest standards in He began at Thompson in the fall of 2015. Jaiden soared, proving himself in the AAU ranks, as well as with his C.C. Jaiden Thompson (3) busts a move to get to the basket. Im trying to set them up for interceptions and PBUs.. Wallace was hired in 2018, and went 11-28 overall. Freeman's hiring meant an increase of almost $50,000 per year in what Thompson had paid former coach Mike Montgomery. Freeman would not arrive to greet a packed school board room until approximately 35 minutes later. Alabama has more in its backyard than other traditionally talent-rich SEC states, including Louisiana and Georgia. The only problem was that a number of coaches at prominent football schools have not met him. 3,620 Followers. 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. var field59 = field59 || {}; Pinson Valley often has talent (see: Bo Nix). He wanted to change the narrative.. 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. Central has played for the 7A championship in three of the last four seasons, beating Thompson 52-7 in 2018 . All are seniors and key contributors on this Vikings squad making its bid for the schools first state championship since 2000. His seven year record in baseball was 116-70, with two Final 4 appearances. 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. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television Posted - 02/28/2023 : 12:35:46 . Its a region that includes Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa County. Theyre going to find guys who want to do all those things.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Email Brandon Graves. Thompson High School in Birmingham is one of the perennial prep football powers in Alabama. The biggest thing was: Was my wife going to move? Thompsons feelings certainly werent about a lack of love for the Vikings. Now, reaching the 30-win plateau -- in ONE season is the standard. But as his senior season dawned, it just wasnt there anymore, that passion. He won 15 of his 17 playoff games with the Toros. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football. The Warriors (13-1) captured a third straight 7A championship while making a fourth straight Super 7 appearance. . Jaidens a very talented player, Baker said. Always appreciate that when (coaches) don't just slip in the back door and see a kid and get out. He backed off that pledge seven months later and decommitted. That would probably be one of my biggest accomplishments no matter if its winning a state championship or scoring 1,000 points. I said, Im going to go get it. "Its a blessed day," Freeman said. 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. Eason is at Clemson now. Youre going to be writing about him.. Simpson will be heavily involved in helping with operations and administration of several different sports, which Hester said will be a huge help. MOODY Thompson High School co-defensive coordinator Jake Ganus was introduced as the new coach for the Moody Blue Devils on Friday, December 17. WVUA 23 is a competitive professional commercial television, Paul Bryant's McKanstry signs with Independence CC football, Gordo High School celebrates 2023 signing class, Former Hillcrest standout Brandon Bishop announces transfer to Liberty, Paul Bryant football introduces new head coach, Tuesday afternoon crash victim identified, Soldier, poet, or king? Some believe its unreasonable to expect Harsin to contact every in-state school so quickly. 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. 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? That was his happy place, his own piece of utopia. 17 nationally, and his teammates are often wowed by his skills. And you sort of follow it, the top 70, 80, 90 kids end up going D-II and whatnot. He knew it, not in a cocky way. The quintet started for the C.C. Thompsons mom had put a ball in his hands when he was about 4 years old, and he hadnt let it go since. 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. Where I went to high school was very similar in terms of enrollment, in terms of size and size of the community and facilities. After that, everything just clicked. They have reached the Class 7A State Championship Game each of the past four years and have captured three consecutive years. How tall was Tommy Thompson? Thompson hadnt been particularly relevant before Freemans arrival, which is why the Warriors sudden emergence has ruffled some feathers. Top Coach. 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. One of the states current football hot spots is G.W. Its very much a work-hard-for-what-you-get community. 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). A new barbecue restaurant in Kannapolis is taking shape. He helped the Vikings win 30 games for the second year in a row. His softball teams made Final 4 appearances from 2003-05, and his powerlifting teams were 3 time State Champs. Another pair of seniors, linebacker Jax Van Zandt and safety Trevor Hardy, are committed to North Texas and Memphis, respectively. Great Moments in Alabama High School Football History. He was named the leagues best player for the second year in a row. Congratulations to Jahkiaus Jones, Jaquan Hart, Jordan Jones and Jontavis Curry for being selected the Thomson players of the game. You dont work out anymore.. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. 197 Posts. Wendell stayed at public school, he stayed grounded, he stayed with Cox Mill for four years. That potential was something he took with him to Calera as a baseball coach, athletic director and football coach. "We are going to be the best at everything we can do every day.". Follow him on Twitter for the latest high school cool across Alabama. Email Rylan Gerber. 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. We now have834teams & 188,070games on AHSFHS.org. What happened to your work ethic? Thompson recalled her asking. I grew up playing a lot of sports. Tommy Thompson has not been elected into the Hall of Fame. Mar 2, 2023 Updated 27 min ago. And for that to actually happen? Jaiden Thompson averaged nearly 20 points per game thisseason. No passion missing; it burns like hot fish grease in Thompson, and his coach loves the way he is. AL.com requested salaries from all coaches in the Metro Birmingham area this past spring. He flirted with a college coaching job offer before Thompson entered the picture. Now Thompson is dunking with ease in games and soaring above the crowd for rebounds. Those hirings mean the two highest-paid high school football coaches in Alabama compete in the same region. There are now five coaches in Class 7A, Region 3 that pay their head football coach a combined salary of more than $100,000 per season. And she could see right through him. It pisses us off, Alexander said. 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