Joe Compton played football at Sylacauga High School and three varsity letters at the University of Alabama playing fullback and linebacker for the Crimson Tide.

Compton took over the head coaching duties in Fairhope in 1958 and inherited a team that had only won three games the previous season. His first team finished 8-2 and laid the foundation for the next season. It was his first stint as a head coach.

Compton, who was an economics teacher and a guidance counselor at Fairhope, ran a Notre Dame-style box offense.

In 1959 the Pirates finished with a perfect 10-0 slate and were selected State Champions by the Birmingham News for District One.

Only four opponents scored in double figures against that Fairhope team, which outscored its opposition 254-78 on the year. The two closest contests were a 14-13 win over Bay Minette and a 7-0 victory over Alba.

Compton moved back to Fitzgerald Ga, where he had served as an assistant, and took over the head football coaching duties in 1960. He won another state title with Thomson GA and a third at Pisgah NC before returning to Fitzgerald to finish out his coaching career.

Coach Compton retired following the 1988 season to his farm in Fitzgerald GA.