Fairview in semifinals after winning “Game of the Year” – Boulder Daily Camera

Fairview came out on the right side of the “Game of the Year,” pulling off the biggest upset of this year’s football playoffs in a 49-45 victory over Mountain Vista in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Friday.

The No. 7 Knights’ season seemed almost over, down 11 with about 2 minutes left in what had been a wild game with a venue change at halftime due to a stadium lights malfunction at Halftime Help Stadium in Highlands Ranch. Then came the power surge.

Ryder Villarreal caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Ki Ellison and recovered the ensuing onside kick in the final minutes at EchoPark Stadium in Parker. Toray Davis got the go-ahead run for 11 yards with 27.5 seconds left, then sealed things with an interception in the final seconds.

The win sends the Knights to the semifinals for the first time since 2013. Caption #6 is next.

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Fairview High School’s Toray Davis (21) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the 5A state playoff game at EchoPark Stadium, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Parker. Fairview High School won the game in the final moments 49-45 and will advance to the final four. The game was moved from the aid stadium to halftime after the lights went out. (Rebecca Slezak/Special to the Denver Post)

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Game Details: Saturday, 1 p.m., at EchoPark stadium

How Fairview can win: The Knights’ offense was unstoppable. If this continues, Fairview will likely head to the 5A championship game in Fort Collins on Dec. 7. In the quarterfinals, Mountain Vista came in allowing less than eight points per game. But the Knights, averaging over 47 PPG, continued to do whatever they wanted with the ball. Quarterback Ki Ellison had his worst completion percentage of the season (11-of-27 passing), but he still threw for 407 yards and two scores. Toray Davis caught the game-winning TD and earlier threw a 64-yard TD pass to Jordan Rechel, who totaled 264 yards on offense and also ran for two scores. Choose your poison.

How Legend can win: Play away. The Titans controlled the clock and dominated on the ground in their 35-16 win over No. 3 Ralston Valley in the quarterfinals, where they ran for 302 yards and five scores. The more Legend can keep Fairview’s offense off the field, the better. A back-and-forth, high-scoring game probably doesn’t favor the Titans. The Knights have more offensive weapons, which they proved by beating record-breaking quarterback Austyn Modrzewski and the Golden Eagles last weekend.

Match to watch: Fairview’s run defense against Legend. The Titans have a strong offensive line and a quarterback who isn’t afraid to use his legs. Very different from the offense the Knights just faced at Mountain Vista. If Fairview can win in the trenches against the Titans’ offense, it will be a long day for the home team. Look for senior linebackers Ryder Villarreal and Brock Kolstad to set a physical tone early on.