On behalf of the City of Alabaster, I welcome you to another season of Warrior football! The city is excited to welcome fans from all over the southeast to our beautiful high school. The Warriors have enjoyed unprecedented success over the last several years, winning four state championships in a row from 2019-2022 and playing in six consecutive 7A state championship games dating back to 2018.
We are always proud to show off our incredible school system, and Thompson athletics is a huge part of that.
Our City Council members and I value collaborating with Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers and the Board of Education in bringing you the best our city has to offer. As stakeholders of Alabaster City Schools, we are all invested in the highest degree of performance in and out of the classroom.
Football brings many great things to our city, including economic activity, the morale of our community and camaraderie. Coach Mark Freeman and his team of coaches have prepared our Warriors for another exciting, successful year
Thank you to all the players, cheerleaders and band members for your support through the long days of preparation for this season. A special thanks to all the parents who support our student athletes. I look forward to watching our team win another state championship!
Go Warriors!
Scott Brakefield Mayor
MARK FREEMAN head coach
Mark Freeman attended Bessemer Academy and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Freeman landed his first head football coaching job at Bessemer Academy in 1998. Over the next ten seasons his teams went 10121 and won four AISA State Championships. He also served as the Athletic Director at Bessemer Academy.
Coach Freeman led the Rebels to four State Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2007. His teams were also state championship runner-ups in 2001 and 2005. 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.
Freeman was also the coach of the All-Star footbal game seven consecutive seasons. Between 2001 and 2007 his teams went 40-1 in region play and 17-3 in the playoffs.
He stepped down at Bessemer Academy following the 2007 football season and served as the quarterbacks coach at Minor in 2008. In 2009, Freeman accepted the head coaching position at Gulf Shores High School.
He went 13-9 during two seasons at Gulf Shores and led the Dolphins to the second round of the playoffs in 2009.
In 2011, he became the head football coach at Spanish Fort High School. The Toros defeated McAdory to claim their second state championship in three years with a 14-1 record. His 2013 team finished 15-0 and won another Class 5A state champsionship with a win over Muscle Schoals in the title game.
Freeman resigned from Spanish Fort to accept the head coaching job at Thompson high school near Birmingham. His four teams at Spanish Fort finished a combined 50-7.
He has built a powerhouse at Thompson, winning four state championships in a row.
THOMPSOn
Overall Record: 94-20
Playoff Record: 24-3
Region Championship: 2017, 2020, 2023
State Championships: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
AWARDS
NHSCA Coach of the Year 2024
AISA Football Coach of the Year 2007, 2005, 2004, 2000
Alabama Sports Writers Coach of the Year 2006, 2005, 2004
ALFA Coach of the Year 2013
John L. Finley Award Winner
Baldwin County Coach of the Year 2012
WKRG Coach of the Year 2013
AWSA Coach of the Year 2011, 2006, 2004
2024 coaching staff
WOODROW BRIGGS DEFENSIVE LINE
BRAD COSTANZO CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
JORDAN LONG WIDE RECEIVERS
SHAWN SUTTON RUNNING BACKS
JIMMIE BUNTING STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
SHAWN DEFOOR DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
PARKER MONTGOMERY ASSISTANT COACH
DAVORIS THOMAS LINEBACKERS
TAYLOR BURGESS ASSISTANT
DURRELL FUQUA RECRUITING COORDINATOR
MIKE RAMIL DEFENSIVE LINE
DAKOTA CHAPMAN SCOUT TEAM COORDINATOR
JOEY JONES SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR
JORDAN ROBERTSON DEFENSIVE BACK
TREY CLARK OFFENSIVE LINE
TYRONE KING ASSISTANT COACH
TYLER SCOZZARO DEFENSIVE LINE
Athletic Care. Better Together.
Offering Orthopedic Care in Alabaster
Football on Friday nights is a way of life in Alabama. If you’re a player, cheerleader, band member, trainer or passionate fan of your team, we’re here to cheer you on and let you know that the team at Precision Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Alabaster is available in case you need care.
The services we offer and conditions we treat include:
• Acute and chronic tendon injuries
• Arthritic care
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Broken bones or stress fractures
• Concussion management
• Joint replacement surgeries
• Knee problems
• Muscle, tendon and joint pain
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Nonsurgical orthopedic care
• Regenerative medicine
• Sciatica (numbness or pain in or around lower back, hip or knee)
• Shin splints, plantar fasciitis and iliotibial (IT) band pain
• Sports injuries, trauma and sideline care
Michael Patterson, MD
Dr. Michael Patterson is a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine before completing a residency with Orlando Regional Healthcare System. He was fellowship–trained and served as the fellowship director at the American Sports Medicine Institute.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL STAFF
SPORTS MEDICINE AND
CALEB RANDALL TITLE
KJ ROBERTSON TITLE
DAVID SCOGGINS TITLE
ADAM SPORT
CHRIS WALKER
ATHLETIC TRAINING
DR. PATTERSON TEAM DOCTOR
MIKE MILLER ATHLETIC TRAINER
ANDREW YIM ATHLETIC TRAINER
EMILY WESTRAY ATHLETIC TRAINER
AMBER WILSON ATHLETIC TRAINER
LOGAN HAMMER PHYSICAL THERAPIST
BAMA JONES ASSISTANT
NICK WOODLEY HEAD COACH
BO CHAPMAN
MICHAEL GARZAREK TYRONE KING
JOHN PATE
CHELSEA ATHLETIC TRAINER
LAVARUS PEAGLER
SHADRICK BYRD
THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Dr. Wayne Vickers
Superintendent
Dear Fans:
Dr. Wesley Hester
Principal
Vincent Pitts
DirectorofAthletics
On behalf of the Thompson High School Athletics Department, I am excited to welcome you to Warrior Stadium, the home of the Thompson Warriors! We are thrilled to have you as our guest for tonight’s game, on the campus of Thompson High School
I want to thank you for attending tonight’s game. Your ticket purchase, game attendance, cheering and financial support are all integral and appreciated parts of our Warrior Football success. Thank you so much for your support of Warrior Football, cheerleading squad and the Marching Southern Sound.
I also want to recognize the hard work of our Board of Education, and superintendent, Dr. Wayne Vickers, principal, Dr. Wesley Hester, Head Football Coach Mark Freeman, his coaching staff, our football players, and everyone involved in our Friday night gameday experience. Our Board of Education, superintendent, coaches, player and staff have done a remarkable job getting us to national prominence. Our goal is to continue to evolve, work hard, and find ways to outwork the competition and remain a fixture as the best program in the state of Alabama and around the country.
I want to commend and highlight the hard work of Head Coach Mark Freeman and his staff & our football players Our football program continues to develop great players on and off the field Each member of the football team, cheerleading squad, and Marching Southern Sounds has worked hard to prepare for this season. The accomplishments of these young people are the result of great teamwork, sacrifice and hard work.
The support of the community is greatly appreciated by each student and members of the faculty and staff at Thompson High School. I commend our athletic department staff, our parents and players, coaches, teachers and staff, partners and sponsors and volunteers who help make our academic and athletic programs successful.
Tonight’s game should prove to be an exciting matchup for both teams. Each of us should be proud of the sportsmanship and skill exhibited by these fine young men and women.
We look forward to another outstanding season. Thank you for your support and Go Warriors!
Sincerely,
Vincent J. Pitts
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION
About us]
The Thompson Warriors compete at the highest level of AHSAA classification, as a member of class 7A Region 3. Thompson fields 13 varsity teams with approximately 850 student-athletes supported by more than 30 full-time staff on the campus of Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama. Thompson High School offers avariety of opportunities for students that wish to participate in athletics at many different levels. The warriors offer freshman and junior varsity opportunities in many sports.
MISSION
The Athletics Department, in keeping with the mission of the school, seeks to foster an environment of advocacy and advisement so that student athletes may fulfill life long dreams. We seek to abide by the rules, develop quality partners in the community, develop our student-athletes, and create a sense of pride, thereby building champions of our future.
VISION
The Athletics Department seeks to provide a premier competitive environment, rich with resources, that promotes academics, sportsmanship, school pride and life lessons. Through the aforementioned, we seek to create positive experiences and ultimate success as an end result.
BELIEFS AND CORE VALUES
The Athletics Department recognizes a commitment to serve both its student-athletes and the school. It’s primary commitment is to provide an opportunity for student-athletes to fully develop their academic and athletic potential. We believe in a family oriented program that will strive to enable its student athletes to be successful in all facets of their lives, both now and in the future. Lastly, we believe in maintaining an attitude that is student athlete centered and striving for championship quality in facets of our program.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CORE VALUES
People Matter - Have respect for every person. We are in the people business and should strive to serve our student athletes and coaches daily. We must care for, help and empower our student athletes and coaches. Make player’s and coache’s lives better by doing right.
Do the right thing – Always. Be honest. Say what you mean & mean what you say. Keep your word. Use common sense. Stand for quality and integrity. Earn respect.
Be Great – Grow. We must grow as a department, as teams and as individuals. Bring energy and excitement. Demand greatness from everyone. Think. Work Hard. Succeed the right way.
Develop – developing student athletes in an exceptional way is our business, our only business. Develop relationships with student athletes. Serve student athletes. Be committed to the development of student athletes and coaches. Understand needs. Meet needs.
Have Fun – We are in the business of people, more importantly children. Ultimately we are in the business of life. Enjoy it. Laugh. Be creative. Celebrate.
THS VARSITY FOOTBALL numerical ROSTER
GAVIN MCDANIEL
REId VAN ZANDT
JOSIAH FINLEY
DYLAN JOHNSON VICTOR KYATT
rouse
2024 Thompson High School Varisty Football Program
Row 1: Student Trainers and Varisty Cheer Program
Row 2-4: Varisty Football Program
Row 5: Varisty Football Coaching Staff
SCITELHTAT
Church of the Highlands - Alabaster
8495 Hwy 119
Alabaster, AL 35007
the 2024 Season is set
Jon Lunceford - Alabaster AL
Another incredible schedule for Warrior Football this season! Here is the full breakdown on just how tough but amazing this schedule will be: First, let’s dive into non-region play with three teams that have all won multiple state titles in the last decade across Alabama,Georgia and Tennessee...
Grayson (GA) is a 7A team that is a consistent contender for state titles in Georgia. Grayson ended last season ranked #44 in the nation according to MaxPreps (Thompson was 40). We remember how tough Buford was two years ago - Grayson knocked #45 Buford out last season in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champ #11 Milton. Grayson graduated a bunch of D1 talent last year, but consistently compete for region titles and make deep playoff runs, winning multiple state titles in the last decade. I remember when Chase Brice was there (former Clemson/Duke/App State QB) a few years ago and they dominated the Alabama 6A (Ramsay) and 7A (Hoover) state champion - so they are always tough, glad that’s a home game.
Lipscomb Academy (TN) is a team Thompson knows well after having a classic match-up on ESPN in 2022. Thompson fell 24-14 in a great game that saw Thompson go up 14-0 early, but after Lipscomb came back to make it 17-14, Thompson fumbled on the goal line in the 4th quarter that would have given Thompson the 21-17 lead and it was returned 99 yards to seal it for Lipscomb. Lipscomb was coached by Trent Dilfer then, and he built up a pretty good small, private school program that won two state titles in a row. Last year they struggled a bit after Dilfer came to UAB, but some of those losses were to top teams - including losing to 6A runner-up Saraland by only a point in OT and also losing to IMG Academy. Should be a great return trip to Nashville and a fun road trip for the fans and families!
The final non-region game is Clay-Chalkville in Week 5 (the sixth week of the season). Clay finished #22 in the nation last year. Not much needs to be said about this game that hasn’t already been said in the last two match-ups. Clay ended up on top of Saraland to win the 6A state title last year, also giving Thompson their only regular season loss last year 36-33. On aggregate - this is an even grudge match after Thompson won 17-14 in 2022. Clay also loses 5-star Jaylen Mbakwe to Alabama among other great D1 players and their head coach Drew Gilmer to Hoover.
On to region play...
7A Region 3 is absolutely stacked - it’s the toughest region in the state, regardless of classification. First, who is in and who is out - Spain Park and Chelsea dropped out of Class 7A and into 6A. Only one central-Alabama area team replaced them with Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, so Prattville has moved up from what was a 9-team region with Region 2 and will now travel to play in Region 3.
The season starts off with a road trip to Tuscaloosa to take on Tuscaloosa County. County has been sitting on the outside looking in the last couple of years since Adam Winegarden came to town...but Winegarden is gone to work with Troy now and they need to find a new coach. It will be interesting to see what they do, but should be a good first game for Thompson after a tough non-region start.
Oak Mountain is next back at home, the Eagles struggled the last couple of years after the loss of a super talented QB in Evan Smith, but Shane McComb came in from the west coast and is looking to get things going.
Vestavia Hills is the team Thompson has seen the most over the last two years with 4 match-ups in that time span. Thompson has won all four, but not easily. Robert Evans has things in the right direction at Vestavia and that was evident by finishing third in this tough region last year and upsetting Austin in the playoffs before losing to Thompson. It’s a brutal middle of the season with Vestavia, Clay and then Clay’s cross-town “not-so-much-anymore-rival” - Hewitt-Trussville. The best measuring stick those two teams have in this dead rivalry is how they perform against Thompson - and last year saw Thompson go to Trussville and wipe the floor with the Huskies in the regular season, although Hewitt finished runner-up in the region. Hewitt and Thompson had a closer game in the semi-finals, but the Warriors still came out on top 21-10. Peyton Floyd is gone at QB as are multiple other players, but there is some good youth on the team as well.
After that, a trip back to Tuscaloosa to take on Hillcrest. The Patriots have been a top team in 6A since Jamie Mitchell came to town, winning the last two 6A Region 4 titles and 11+ games every year. The only thing that kept them from winning state titles was a brutal southern half of the 6A bracket losing to Hueytown and then Saraland two years in a row - all of whom ended up in the Super 7 from the south. It will be tough to adjust to 7A Region 3, but they have a chance to make a run to a playoff spot. They lucked out and got Hoover, Vestavia and Thompson all at home this season.
Hoover comes back to Alabaster after that, and I’m super interested to see what Drew Gilmer can do there. They will be tested right off the bat with a trip to Western (FL), then Spain Park who has built up to have the chops to compete in region had they stayed - then Hillcrest and Hewitt on the road. So we will know quickly what kind of team Hoover has this year - either the Hoover we know or the Hoover we saw last year. But I like Coach Gilmer and I think he’ll do well. Finally, the other newcomer to the region, but not a newcomer to 7A - Prattville.
Not going to lie - it’s been a struggle for Prattville lately, but we won’t know how they respond to the region change until the back half of the season. They have Hoover, Vestavia, Hewitt, Hillcrest, Thompson in a row to end - 3 of those on the road. The Lions haven’t made the playoffs the last two years, and haven’t won a playoff game since 2019. Their only trip past the second round in 7A was in 2014 when they lost in the Super 7 to Hoover in the first year of 7A. Before that - Jamey Dubose and Bill Clark had them built into a powerhouse that won 4 state titles between 2006-2011, so they have a championship pedigree.
Overall, I can’t wait to see how the new region plays out and how Thompson fits in to the national picture once again. It didn’t end how we wanted it to last year, but still an amazing season with the two losses coming against teams that finished top 25 in the nation and both coming down to the final seconds. Thompson has been to SIX straight 7A state title games, winning four of them, and has amassed an incredible 24-3 playoff record under Mark Freeman with four region titles as well. With incredible talent like QB Trent Seaborn and DB Anquon Fegans leading the offense and defense, it should be a season to remember!
2024 Varsity football position groups
2024 Varsity football position groups
THOMPSON VARSITY CHEER TEAM
CATHERINE BOWMAN
PARIS BRIDGES
KAYLA THRASHER
VILLERET
WELTZIN
MANAGERS COACHES
OLIVIA CURRY MANAGER
MADISON JOHNSON MANAGER
RICHARD SUTTON HEAD COACH
BRITTANY SPORT ASSISTANT COACH
ALEXA COUCH ASSISTANT COACH
WILLIAMS DEMI WOOLEY
To our beautiful Jhaidyn, We are so incredibly proud of the person you are and the young woman you are growing to become! You are and always have been a huge blessing in our lives! From the sacrifices to the accomplishments, you have shown true determination and dedication with everything that has crossed your path Now that the countdown has begun to graduation, remember to enjoy your senior year! Make memories, laugh often, embrace new experiences, and every obstacle that comes your way-face it head on with the tenacious spirit you have always had! I pray favor over your life and continued blessings so that you can also be a blessing to others! We love you, are proud of you and can not wait to see what the future holds for you! The BEST IS YET TO COME!!
Love, your Mom and Granny Proverbs 16:3
Jhaidyn
ShelbyWe;re so proud of you and everything you ’ ve accomplished. Have an amazing senior year! Love, Mom, Dad, Tay, and Jake
Dear Pairs,
T
e a lot faster than what we thought and we ’ ve had an interesting time watching you grow up and to be the wonderful young lady that you have become today Go after your dreams, remain kind, gracious and persistent as you move on to the next exciting era in your life.
We love you and we ’ re always here.
Forever yours, your family
Molli
We are so proud of you and hope you have a great Senior year! We love you, Mom, Dad, and Maci Psalm 20:4
Shelby
Paris
Molli
2024-25 Senior Cheerleaders
Catherine,
We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments From the time you were little you have alwyas had a cheer uniform on, both on the field and on the competitive stage Each and every uniform has meant so much and brings back so many precious memories Know that we have always been your biggest fans and always will be! Now it’s your senior year and the last cheer uniform. Make this one the best yet, dream big and let your light shine for the world to see!
We Love you so much!
Mom, Dad, Mac, Nana, MeMe, Papa John and Jan Jan
Trini
I love you and I’m so proud of the strong, beautiful, intelligent woman you ’ ve become. You’re roytaly. Wear your crown proudly. Adjust when needed, but never take it off. You’re fierce, fit and fabulous. Be the best you!
Love, Mom
Trinity
Catherine
THOMPSON JV CHEER TEAM
ALMA MATER
‘Tween the hills of old Siluria
Nestles Thompson High
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater ‘Neath the Southern skies.
Long between the walls we’ve lingered.
All the kindred minds,
We, to thee and to eachother, Find a tie that binds.
Soon we’ll leave thee Thompson High School,
As the years roll by,
And we’ll always hold thy banner
Upward to the sky
Chorus: THOMPSON! THOMPSON!
Dear Old Thompson
True to thee we’ll be.
We will always love and honor
To eternity
KAYLEIGH FARMER
ALEXA COUCH HEAD COACH
THS Freshman FOOTBALL ROSTER
SENIORS
DRUM MAJORS
southern sounds
BARITONES
CLARINETS
DRUMLINE FLUTES
FRONT ENSEMBLE
MELLOPHONES
SAX/ LOW REEDS
SOUSAPHONES
TROMBONES
TRUMPETS
MAJORETTES
DANCE TEAM
COLOR GAURD
GAME DAY GUIDE GAME DAY GUIDE
TICKETS: TICKETS:
SINGLE GAME: $12 SINGLE GAME: $12
PROHIBITED IN STADIUM GATES OPEN TWO HOURS PRIOR TO KICK-OFF
CARD ONLY PREFERRED CARD ONLY PREFERRED
All Fans over five (5) MUST have a ticket Children five (5) & under are admitted free
First
AED
In
If you have an emergency, dial 911
All credential holders, media, AHSAA coaching
All credential holders, media, AHSAA coaching card holders, pass list card holders, pass list / will call names & pass / will call names & pass holders MUST enter at the pass gate holders MUST enter at the pass gate
Passes and coaching cards will NOT be
Passes and coaching cards will NOT be honored at any general admission gate honored at any general admission gate
Parking Passes are Required for A,B, and C lots
Parking Passes are Required for A,B, and C lots
Tailgating is only offered at the Full Moon
Tailgating is only offered at the Moon tailgate village tailgate village
Tailgate packages are pre-purchase only
Tailgate packages are pre-purchase only
Handicap / ADA seating is available at the top
Handicap / ADA seating is available at top of each stadium section of stadium section
General ADA/ Handicap Parking is available in
General ADA/ Handicap Parking is available in designated lot designated lot
Reserved Handicap Parking is available to Reserved Handicap Parking is available to Reserved Lot Pass Holders ONLY Reserved Lot Pass Holders ONLY
ADA Shuttle is available and will drop off at the
ADA Shuttle is available and will drop off at the gate of your request gate of your request
FIRST AID & EMERGENCY
WARRIORS AT THE NEXT LEVEL
Kolby Hearn
Deuce Oliver
Zach Felton
Korbyn Williams
Tre’quon Fegans
Ryan Walker
Seth Hampton
Amari Kight
Jeffery Kimochu
Matthew Speights
DJ Douglas
Jaylen Ward
Sam Reynolds
Kaleb Harris
Justin Pegues
Parker Michell
EJ Edwards
Jax Vanzandt
Michael Pettway
Conner Harrell
Tyler Hicks
Roman Mothershed
Jaquese Fegans
Gavin Shipman
JB Mitchell
Zach Sims
Jasiah Ward
Jayden Davis
Caleb Fox
Matthew Heard
Brandon Franklin
Elijah Williams
Stanton Ramil
Peter Woods
Caleb Ballard
Jamie Motley-Simmons
Kobe Stewart
Noah Watts
Tony Mitchell
Jeremiah Alexander
Jake Ivie
The Warrior Foundation, as it’s mission, seeks to support Thompson High School Athletics through fundraising efforts that directly benefit the student athletes at Thompson High School, across a broad spectrum. Furthermore, the Warrior Foundation seeks to assist charitably within the community thereby creating a lasting impact for all the Warriors of Alabaster. get
Thompson High School vs. Grayson to be Primetime Feature on ESPN2 ALABASTER, AL July 13, 2023: For the fifth time in six years, Thompson High School is excited to announce the 2024 home opener vs Grayson, our of Georgia, will be televised on ESPN2. As part of the ESPN High School Showcase, the Warriors will be featured as part of Kickoff Weekend on the ESPN family of networks.
The Thompson Warriors football program has been featured numerous times on the ESPN family of networks. In 2018 the Warriors hosted the Hewitt Trussville Huskies, in 2020 the Warriors were again featured at Hewitt Trussville, in 2022 the Warriors hosted Lipscomb Academy, this past season the Warriors hosted Clay Chalkville in a prime time and this upcoming season the Warriors will host Grayson as part of a Kickoff Weekend primetime telecast on ESPN2.
“Our Board of Education, and superintendent, Dr. Wayne Vickers, Head Football Coach Mark Freeman, his coaching staff, our football players, and everyone involved have done a remarkable job getting us to national prominence. Our goal is to continue to evolve, work hard, and find ways to outwork the competition and remain a fixture on the national stage. I am so proud of everyone’s hard work and we look forward to a great year and another great ESPN telecast.” (Vincent Pitts, Director of Athletics)
The home game against Grayson is scheduled for Thursday August 22nd. The kickoff time is set for 7:00pm CST (8:00pm ES
“This really speaks volumes about our program, our operational capacity and the long-term relationship established with ESPN” said Pitts. We are thrilled that our school, community, city, players and coaches will again be featured on the biggest stage. Pitts stated “This helps continue to cement the legacy of this program as one of the best.
