The562’s coverage of girls’ flag football is sponsored by the Los Angeles Chargers.
No matter what happens, Compton flag football will make history in 2024.
It’s the Tarbabes first year in the sport after it’s debut last year, and they’ve already picked up four wins through their first six games. Coach Jason Carreras says he’s been focused on getting his team caught up to speed with the rest of the Moore League, and has put an emphasis on making history in the programs inaugural season.
“I want to build something special for Compton High School, the Compton Unified School District, and the city itself,” he said. “We have received so much love and support already. It has truly been remarkable. We have a mantra for the season, which is, ‘Make history.’… As I’ve told my players, everything you do this season as a team or individually is making history for the school and yourself. We are an extremely young team, mostly sophomores, so everything about this year is building for the future and gaining experience.”
One of those sophomores will be Laila Williams at wingback, who’s emerged as an early leader on a full team of first-time flag football players. She’ll be joined by fellow sophomore Jade Bougore and freshman Ariel Willard at receiver, while juniors Valerie “Speedy” Ruiz and Venus Quezada will be at wingback and quarterback, respectively.
“I’m all around pretty athletic, so I don’t think it was that hard for me to get comfortable with this sport,” said Williams, who also runs track. “As long as you’re willing to try a new sport then it’s easier for you to get comfortable, so that’s how I looked at it.”
At defensive back, junior Ja’lynn Davis will be alongside Willard, who has already recorded two pick-sixes through Compton’s preseason. Williams and seniors Taliyah Fletcher and Tasia Coleman will be at linebacker.
Just two games into the Moore League season, the Tarbabes sit 6-2 (1-1) and have put up convincing wins against Glenn, Maywood Academy, CALS Early College, and Cabrillo. Carreras has been pleased with the results but says the team is more focused on meeting their own goals.
“I will consider our season to be a success if we meet the goals we have already set for ourselves,” said Carreras. “We are [a couple] games into our season, and we’ve already accomplished [some] of them…I will also consider our first season a success if we come out and compete in each game by utilizing my four F principles which are to be First, play Fast, be Fearless, and most importantly have Fun.”
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