Fairview Football Crushes Arapahoe 78-28 in Playoff Showdown

UPDATE: Fairview High School’s football team delivered a stunning performance against the Arapahoe Warriors, clinching a decisive 78-28 victory in the Class 5A second round playoff at Recht Field on November 14, 2025. This overwhelming win marks a significant turning point for the Knights, who previously struggled in the postseason.

The Knights, seeded eighth, faced the ninth-seeded Warriors in what was anticipated to be a tightly contested matchup. However, Fairview quickly flipped the script in a dazzling display of athleticism and strategy. Junior quarterback Ki Ellison and senior wide receiver Sabi Ruttgers dominated the field, combining for a jaw-dropping 11 touchdowns.

Ellison showcased his versatility, amassing 311 passing yards and rushing for an additional 115 yards, while Ruttgers lit up the scoreboard with 244 offensive yards. Ruttgers exclaimed, “I always knew I was good, but this honestly proved it to myself and honestly the state too. Everyone was told it’d be a real close game, and we came out here and mercy-ruled them. It’s insane.”

The first quarter kicked off with a competitive edge, ending 21-15 in favor of Arapahoe. However, the Knights unleashed a relentless offensive barrage that left the Warriors reeling. Senior standout Toray Davis added three touchdowns, while teammates Asher Allen and Ryan Rutherford contributed to the scoring frenzy.

Defensively, Fairview was equally impressive. They executed critical stops, including a game-changing blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown pass to Davis, pushing the lead to 36-21 by halftime. Ellison’s interception of Arapahoe’s quarterback further exemplified Fairview’s defensive prowess, leaving little doubt about their dominance.

“I knew my moment was coming. I was just ready,” Ellison reflected on his interception. “I think it just shows that I’m an athlete. I’m a dawg. I can go both ways.”

The Knights’ head coach, Tom McCartney, praised both teams’ competitiveness, stating, “We have great respect for Arapahoe. They come out of the Cherry Creek league, and anybody that competes in that league is going to be battle-tested.” He acknowledged the significance of the matchup, emphasizing, “Let’s show everybody when we play great teams what we can do.”

With this emphatic victory, Fairview now advances to face the top-seeded Cherry Creek next week at Stutler Bowl. The Knights aim to build on their momentum, showcasing both offensive and defensive strengths. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if they can continue their playoff success against a formidable opponent.

This thrilling matchup not only highlights Fairview’s potential but also sets the stage for an electrifying continuation of the Class 5A playoffs. Don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable clash next week!