The562’s football coverage for the 2026-27 school year is sponsored by Long Beach Poly alums Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
There’s one word that the Compton football team is talking about heading into the 2026 season: opportunity.
The Tarbabes enter the season ready to shake off a 2025 campaign that left the program wanting more after not reaching the playoffs. It will be a new look for Compton as they depart the Moore League after half a century for the newly-formed Hub City League.
However, that’s where the opportunity is as the Tarbabes return a core of athletes that gives them confidence that they will not only compete for a league title, but also a long playoff run.
“I think it’s great, man. Like I said, the competitive level is going to be great,” Compton coach Calvin Bryants said. “I think our team’s going to come together, and since it’s the first year, I think it’s going to be an explosion. The fireworks, everything is going to be exciting for all our staffs – Cabrillo, Centennial, Early College, Dominguez. I think everybody’s going to have a blast.”
Last season Compton had a number of transfers that had to sit out which impacted its postseason hopes after the team had a disappointing non-league run that left the Tarbabes sitting on the outside.
“I think we have a good chance of doing some great things if we go out there and execute,” Bryants said. “I can just speak about us. I’ve got a great staff, a great group of guys that’s been with me for the last couple of years. So, I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can go.”
The biggest addition for Compton is junior quarterback Donnie Johnson, a Dominguez transfer, who is already cleared for week 1 and already has varsity experience. He threw for more than 1,000 yards a year ago and will be ready to lead the Tarbabes’ offense.
Along with Johnson, Edward Rivera will have a full season ahead of him and that bodes well for Compton’s offense as he will cause havoc on opposing defenses. Before transferring to Compton, Rivera was the leading rusher in the LA City Section his sophomore year - a mark he’s looking to get to again with a full season.
“I really just want to showcase what I could do,” Rivera said. “I couldn’t really do that, that much last year.”
Along with lining up in the backfield, Rivera will be all over the field to create mismatches against opposing defenses.
“Being able to be all around is exciting,” Rivera said. “No matter what - quarterback, receiver, maybe even tight end. It’s really just showing my versatility and just really showing what I could do.”
Rivera will be just one piece of a potent offense that features plenty of game-breaking athletes. Nate Willard showcased what he can do with multiple 100-yard games last season and he’s back looking forward to getting back on the field for his senior season.
Defensively, senior Jay’rome Norwood will anchor the defense at middle linebacker. Norwood showcased his physical play style and nose for the ball a year ago and he’ll be joined by Takai McKnight who will be outside backer.
The biggest point of improvement for Compton is in the trenches where they were young last year, but with a year under their belt the offensive and defensive lines will be a problem for their opponents led by senior tackle Alex Martinez.
He’ll be joined by Damariayhe Newman, Sauileone Malietufa, Andre Mayo and Joe’Syiah Butler will be a formidable group for any opposing team. Mayo and Malietufa will also be a problem for opposing teams as they will anchor the defensive line.
“I feel like we’re ready, man,” Martinez said of the line’s mentality. “We’re trying to finish. Every game, we’re going to finish hard. That’s the thing about last year - we were not finishing hard every game. And then we got all the cards. We don’t have no excuses now. We’re just trying to get past [camp], go to the game and start playing. But we’re ready.”
Compton will open the season with a trophy on the line as they open the season at Jordan as they look to keep the 91 Gridiron Game trophy in Compton next Thursday.
Offense:
QB: Donnie Johnson III (Jr.), Anthony Hernandez-Lopez (Sr.)
RB: Nate Willard (Sr.), Jayden Amos (So.)
WR: Edward Rivera (Sr.), Chris Foster (So.)
WR: Jay'Rome Norwood (Sr.), Elijah Turner (Sr)
T: Alex Martinez (Sr.), Tristan Lacaran (So.)
G: Damariayhe Newman (So.), Alfonzo Peterson (So.)
C: Sauileone Malietufa (So.), Angel Valencia (Jr.)
G: Andre Mayo (Jr.), Bryson Whitaker (So.)
T: Joe'Syiah Butler (So.), Phyne Gray (Sr.)
WR: Trevon Fair (Jr.), Ronnie Mixon (Sr.)
WR: Ashton Martin (Jr.), Jakori Clinton (So.)
Defense:
DE: Malcolm Falls (Jr.), Fiafia Noa (So.)
DT: Andre Mayo (Jr.), Nicholas Hogan (So.)
N: Sauileone Malietufa (So.), Damariayhe Newman (So.)
DE: Tyler Grant-Perry (Sr.), Devin Smith (Jr.)
MLB: Jay'Rome Norwood (Sr.), Kalijah Holmes (Sr.)
OLB: Ta'Kai McKnight (Jr.), Landyn Sheppard (Fr.)
Nickel: Nate Willard (Sr.), Marshawn Kimmons (Fr.)
DB: Edward Rivera (Sr.), Quincy Keaton (So.)
DB: Tasai Parker (Sr.), Ronnie Mixon (Sr)
FS: Anthony Hernandez-Lopez (Sr.), Trevon Fair (Jr.)
SS: Jakori Clinton (So.), Makyih Brown (Jr.)
Compton Football Schedule:
8/20 - at Jordan
8/27 - at Orange Vista
9/4 - vs Bishop Alemany
9/11 - vs Gardena
9/18 - at Narbonne
9/25 - vs Wilson
10/2 - Dominguez*
10/9 - Compton Early College*
10/16 - Cabrillo*
10/23 - Centennial*
*= Denotes Hub City League Game
