The city of Compton is in for a special night Saturday when the Compton football team takes the field at Compton College for the CIF Southern Section Division 12 championship game.
Compton will be playing in front of generations of fans that have been waiting for the moment to cheer on their football team at the biggest stage. For the first time since 1979, Compton will be playing for a championship against Quartz Hill.
The duo of Erick Barrios and Deon Johnson will lead the way for Compton’s rushing attack as they look to carry Compton to the championship.
Read more about running backs Johnson and Barrios
“I’m glad to be here with my brothers, my teammates and my coach,” Johnson said.
In Compton’s 52-35 semifinal victory over Tahquitz last week, Barrios scored five touchdowns and Johnson had three two-point conversions.
Quartz Hill use a balanced attack led by quarterback Chalin Crawford and running back Ashtin Dupleasis. Together the two have 1,095 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. In the air Crawford has thrown for 1,570 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nicholas Williams leads the receiving core for the Royals with 775 yards.
The Royals are in the championship game for the second time in four seasons. They’ve won two CIF titles in school history.
Quartz Hill coach James Vondra said they have faced offenses similar to Compton’s during their playoff run, but he says his team will be as prepared as possible.
“The Double Wing is always tricky,” Vondra said. “Especially with Compton, they have some great backs Barrios and Johnson. They’re special players and it’s going to be difficult for our defense to contain those two guys. We’re looking forward to the match up and were happy to be here.”
