Advice for Compton, Poly fans: Arrive early for tonight’s game

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Compton (8-0, 4-0) is breaking out the bleachers for its big Moore League game against perennial powerhouse Long Beach Poly (7-1, 4-0) at 7 tonight at Compton.

The Tarbabes’ stadium seats only about 2,000, so temporary bleachers have been brought in and placed behind both end zones to accommodate another 600 or so.

Compton Athletic Director Maxine Kemp only hopes it will be enough. She doesn’t think it will be, and recommends that spectators arrive early to ensure a seat, or, for that matter, admission.

Once seating is filled to capacity, fans will not be allowed into the stadium.

‘Right now, the alumni have been coming out of the woodwork,’ Kemp said. ‘I don’t think we’re going to be able to accommodate everybody. We expect to turn away people, unfortunately.’

That’s what happens when you’re in a battle for first place in the league, your team is unbeaten, and you have your best chance in years to beat an opponent in the midst of a state-record 71-game league winning streak. Read the Long Beach Press-Telegram preview here.

Among the alumni who school officials hope will be back is Eve Parson of Riverside, a 1926 graduate who has been invited to the game by Compton Assistant Principal Rigoberto Roman. The two met at an alumni picnic in August.

The game also is Compton’s homecoming and will feature the usual halftime fare such celebrations entail, as well as the school mascot’s appearance on a horse.

‘Something similar to Tommy Trojan and Traveler,’ Kemp said. ‘We feel like it’s going to be a great game. I’ve been here for 41 years, I know all the ups and downs, and this is one of the highs right now.’

-- Lauren Peterson

-- Image from www.compton.k12.ca.us