Compton seniors Jaishawn Smith and Jaheim Hunt scored five touchdowns as the Tarbabes rolled to a 71-0 victory over West Adams during their home opener Friday night. It’s Compton’s biggest win in more than 15 years.
Smith got things started with a bang as he returned the opening kick off for a touchdown to give Compton a 7-0 lead 12 seconds into the game.
“We needed to get off to a good start tonight,” Smith said. “Just got to keep working hard to get ready for next week.”
Smith and the Tarbabes (3-0) weren’t done there as the senior picked off West Adams quarterback Giovanni Salcedo and returned it for a touchdown to make it 14-0 with 9:32 remaining in the first quarter.
It was that kind of night for Compton as the Tarbabes scored four more times in the first quarter to take a commanding 41-0 lead. Those touchdowns included two rushing touchdowns, another pick-6 and a fumble on a kick-off return that was returned for a touchdown.
Hunt joined in with his counterpart scoring on his own pick-6 in the first quarter.
“Even though we knew early that this game wasn’t going be that tough, we still have things to work on,” Hunt said.
The duo is one that senior lineman Lonzo Williams had glowing reviews for. The Tarbabes finished the game with 187 yards rushing on 10 carries and five touchdowns.
“I love my skills,” Williams said. “They make it so easy and they’re so fast. We give them a little bit of time to work and they do the rest.”
With a running clock in the second quarter, the Tarbabes scored the most points as a team since coach Calvin Bryant’s first tenure with the team back in 2007 when they defeated Verbum Dei 71-7.
With a game sealed, the Tarbabes put in the reserves and they did not disappoint as they secured the shutout.
Freshmen Erick Batriz and Kenneth Cox both took advantage of the playing time as Bartiz had two interceptions, including a pick-6 and Cox had a 16-yard touchdown run.
“It was great to see the lower level achieve and do great things,” Smith said. “They’re going to have to step up when we leave.”
Compton will be back at home when the Tarbabes welcome Dominguez next Friday.
