The562’s football coverage for the 2026-27 school year is sponsored by Long Beach Poly alums Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.
For the first time since 2021, the Compton football team is back in the playoffs. When the Tarbabes take the field Friday night against Ramona in the CIF Southern Section Division 9 first round – it will be a moment that they’ve been patiently building toward.
In 2024, the Tarbabes shifted from their long-used, double-wing offense to a traditional spread offense as coach Calvin Bryant welcomed Lamar and Lamont Freeman to his staff – with Lamar taking over the playcalling duties.
Looking to continue the momentum from the new-look offense, the Tarbabes (9-1) saw a program revitalized thanks to the excitement of Compton’s state-of-the-art facilities and campus that opened last year. The new campus brought some of the highest participation numbers the program has had in years, including the addition of some standout transfers.
This year, everything has come together for Compton after the Tarbabes departed the Moore League after more than 50 years and they’ve made the most of it – capturing the Hub City League title in its inaugural season.
Senior athlete Edward Rivera has been a catalyst for that success as he amassed more than 1,700 yards and scored 28 touchdowns while showcasing his versatility in all phases of the game.
Rivera will be vital for the Tarbabes against a talented Ramona team that is the River Valley League champion and is no stranger to the postseason, making the playoffs every year since 2017.
An experienced group in the trenches has also played a big part for Compton as Sauileone Malietufa, Alex Martinez, Andre Mayo, Joe’syiah Butler, Demariayhe Newman, Phyne Gray, Nicolas Hogan have paved the way for Rivera and quarterback Donnie Johnson as the Tarbabes averaged 37 points per game.
On the defensive side, Jay’Rome Norwood, Kalijah Holmes and Takai McKnight lead a linebacking core that dominated in league play. Completing the front seven for the Tarbabes is Mayo, Tyler Grant and Malietufa.
That core will have a busy night as Ramona quarterback Jesus Gonzalez is a playmaker that can use his arms or legs to attack opposing defenses and amassed 2,100 yards in the regular season.
At receiver Joseph Gutierrez and Cary Moore lead the receiving group with 25 catches each while Marcus Abrams leads with seven touchdowns.
The game could come down to which team is able to slow down the other’s top player, so both team’s will be paying close attention to Rivera and Gonzalez.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
