Thompson will go for “one for the thumb” in 2023. The four-time defending 7A champs start 2023 ranked No. 1 in the High School Football America Alabama Top 10 high school football rankings, powered by NFL Play Football.
Like 2022, head coach Mark Freeman will challenge his team with a solid non-region schedule. After opening against Opelika, the Warriors will host national power IMG Academy (Florida). In the Preseason HSFA 300 national rankings, IMG is No. 5, while Thompson is No. 15 in the country.
Related: 2023 HSFA 300 preseason rankings
Another tough non-region game for Thompson will come at the end of September when they face No. 7 Clay-Chalkville.
Then there’s the uber-tough region, the eighth toughest in the nation, according to High School Football America’s proprietary algorithm.
In addition to Thompson, Alabama’s 7A Region 3 has No. 5 Hewitt-Trussville, No. 6 Hoover and No. 8 Vestavia Hills. H-T will get a big test in its season opener when the Huskies play No. 2 Central (Phenix City). Hoover opens against No. 3 Auburn.
High School Football America Alabama Top 10
| Ranking/Team | 2022 Record | HSFA 300 Preseason Ranking |
| No. 1 Thompson | (11-3) | 15 |
| No. 2 Central (Phenix City) | (10-3) | 62 |
| No. 3 Auburn | (12-2) | 66 |
| No. 4 Saraland | (14-1) | 83 |
| No. 5 Hewitt-Trussville | (8-4) | 112 |
| No. 6 Hoover | (11-2) | 114 |
| No. 7 Clay-Chalkville | (8-2) | 189 |
| No. 8 Vestavia Hills | (7-5) | 289 |
| No. 9 Theodore | (13-1) | NR |
| No. 10 Mountain Brook | (12-3) | NR |
Editor’s Note: The High School Football America national, regional and state rankings are developed using our proprietary algorithm.
