COMPTON, Ca – Two brothers, two sides of the football, and one common goal. At Compton High School, twin brothers Lamar and Lamont Freeman are helping build something that goes beyond winning football games. They’re developing young men who will eventually have to make decisions about life after high school.
Having covered Compton High football over the past two seasons, I’ve watched this program develop. From the players to the coaching staff, there’s been a noticeable change in what this team is accomplishing on the field.
Last season, Compton finished 4–6 in the Moore League. This season, the Tarbabes finished their regular season 9–1 overall and undefeated at 4–0 in the newly formed Hub City League.
Their final regular-season game came October 23 at Compton College, where Compton defeated crosstown rival Centennial High, 47–6, to secure the inaugural Hub City League championship.
But the final score only tells part of the story.
Two Brothers, Two Sides of the Football
Under head coach Calvin Bryant, offensive coordinator Lamar Freeman and his twin brother, defensive coordinator Lamont Freeman, have helped guide a team capable of putting up big offensive numbers while limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.
For Lamar, touchdowns aren’t the only way to measure offensive success. He wants his players executing correctly, even when the scoreboard suggests everything is going well.
“Don’t accept anything in a win that you wouldn’t in a loss,” Lamar explained.
He believes the process matters just as much as the result. When something isn’t working, he examines defensive adjustments, player execution and quarterback decision-making.
Reflecting on Compton’s only regular-season loss, Lamar acknowledged missed throws, turnovers and problems with the running game. He also recognized decisions he could have made differently, including calling more outside-zone plays.
“Would love to have that game back,” he admitted.
On the defensive side, Lamont measures his unit’s performance through fundamentals.
“Alignment and assignment,” Lamont explained.
He believes understanding each player’s responsibility leads to better defensive execution, fewer points allowed and opportunities to create turnovers.
Film study and repeated practice with the scout team are also central to his preparation. Rather than having players guess what an opponent might do, he wants them recognizing situations and reacting confidently.
While the brothers coach different sides of the football, their philosophies share an important foundation: accountability.
“Yea we are big on accountability and looking in the mirror before pointing the finger at your brother!” Lamont shared.
Asked what he hopes players learn from watching him work alongside his twin brother, Lamont pointed to something beyond football.
“Brotherhood, teamwork.. I hope they see a dedicated team front when it comes to me and twin bro!”
The Players Behind the Success
Senior Edward Rivera, No. 5, has been one of Compton’s offensive standouts this season. His ability to contribute as both a running back and receiver has helped give the Tarbabes different ways to score.
During the Centennial game, Rivera added another touchdown to his senior season, but he didn’t reach the end zone alone.
Senior offensive lineman Alex Martinez, No. 71, helped create an opening for Rivera to score. It’s the kind of contribution that doesn’t always receive recognition when everyone is watching the player carrying the football.
Lamar understands that importance, emphasizing that “the strength of our team is in the trenches!”
And as Rivera and Martinez prepare to graduate, sophomore running back Jayden Amos, No. 21, is beginning to make his own mark.
Amos also scored against Centennial, showing that Compton has younger players capable of contributing offensively. He doesn’t have to become the next Rivera. He has an opportunity to develop his own identity within the program.
Preparing Young Men Beyond Friday Nights
One of the more meaningful parts of Lamar’s coaching philosophy involves what happens after these young men graduate.
This coming spring, he plans to introduce a workshop for senior athletes, bringing in guest speakers from different trades to expose students to career opportunities they may not have considered.
“Our relationship with our players will last a lifetime and we will forever be a branch of help for them,” Lamar shared.
According to Lamar, Rivera and Martinez have opportunities to continue playing football at the Division I level. But he also recognizes that not every student-athlete will have the same experience.
For him, coaching means using relationships, resources and professional connections to help young men find their way.
Lamont shares that responsibility through his emphasis on teamwork, preparation and taking responsibility for one’s actions, lessons he hopes players will carry into adulthood.
Compton’s move from the Moore League to the Hub City League brought a different competitive environment, but the program’s progress over these past two seasons is still worth recognizing.
From four wins to nine, the Tarbabes have given their community something to celebrate.
And after watching this program develop, what stands out isn’t simply how many games Compton has won. It’s the relationships being built, the lessons being taught and the opportunities these young men are being encouraged to pursue.
For the Freeman brothers, the scoreboard measures the game. What their players take with them after graduation may be the greater measure of success. These brothers aren’t done yet.