09/05/2026
Yellowjackets pull away for 35-21 road win over Chisholm
By Travis Barnard
The Fairview Yellowjackets picked up a 35-21 road victory over the Chisholm Longhorns Friday, Sept. 4, at Chisholm High School.
The Yellowjackets overcame a slow offensive start and a 7-0 first-quarter deficit, scoring 28 unanswered points before holding off a fourth-quarter push by the Longhorns.
Chisholm won the opening coin toss and elected to receive, but neither offense was able to find the end zone on its opening possessions. Fairview's first drive began at its own 37-yard line and stalled after six plays, forcing a punt.
The Longhorns eventually broke the scoreless tie late in the opening quarter. Taking possession at their own 42 with 6:30 remaining, Chisholm put together a drive that included a fourth-down conversion before connecting on a 15-yard touchdown pass with 1:58 left. The extra point gave the Longhorns a 7-0 advantage.
Fairview's next possession ended near midfield as the first quarter expired, and another Yellowjacket drive early in the second stalled after reaching Chisholm territory.
The momentum finally shifted Fairview's way midway through the second quarter.
Beginning at its own 38 with 9:17 remaining, Fairview quickly moved downfield. Nightingale connected with Austin Hickman for a gain to the Chisholm 20 before Nightingale struck again, rushing for a 20-yard touchdown. Hickman's extra point was good, tying the contest at 7-7 with 7:50 remaining in the half.
Fairview's defense then helped the Yellowjackets take control. After forcing Chisholm to give the ball back with a Ridge Cottrill interception, Fairview took possession at its own 36 with 4:04 remaining. A Chisholm facemask penalty helped move the Yellowjackets across midfield before Nightingale connected with Hickman to set up a first and goal at the 4. One play later Nightingale punched it into the endzone. Hickman's extra point put Fairview in front 14-7 with 3:25 remaining. Fairview immediately got the ball back when Carter Drapalla recovered an inside kick. Unfortunately, the Jackets were unable to capitalize on the possession and the drive ended with a failed fourth down conversion.
The Longhorns threatened to answer before halftime, advancing into Fairview territory, but the Yellowjacket defense held and Fairview carried its seven-point advantage into the locker room.
Fairview received the second-half kickoff and continued to lean on its defense and ground game.
The Yellowjackets' first possession of the third quarter stalled, but Fairview regained the ball after Drayton Chavez recovered a Chisholm fumble.
Fairview capitalized on the turnover when Houk broke free for a 5-yard touchdown run on the 16th play of the drive. Key plays on the drive included a fumble recovery my Gavin Ewing and a key fourth down conversion. The extra point stretched the Yellowjacket advantage to 21-7 with 6:25 remaining in the third.
Chisholm attempted to respond and moved the ball into Fairview territory later in the quarter, but the Yellowjackets again turned the Longhorns away.
Fairview delivered another big play early in the fourth.
With the Yellowjackets backed up in their own territory, Nightingale found Haddon Miller, who then proceeded to elude tacklers for a 46 yard touchdown. Hickman's extra point was good, giving Fairview a commanding 28-7 lead with 9:04 remaining.
Chisholm refused to go quietly.
The Longhorns answered quickly with a 27-yard touchdown pass, cutting Fairview's advantage to 28-14 with 8:23 left. Chisholm then recovered an onside kick and took advantage of the extra possession, scoring on an 11-yard touchdown play with 7:01 remaining. In a span of just over two minutes, Fairview's 21-point cushion had been trimmed to seven, 28-21.
The Yellowjackets' offense responded when it mattered most.
Fairview took possession at its own 27 with 6:58 remaining and began chewing time off the clock. Houk carried much of the load as the Yellowjackets methodically moved downfield. Facing fourth down deep in Chisholm territory, Fairview converted to keep the drive alive.
Houk then delivered the knockout blow, breaking loose for a 3-yard touchdown run with 1:37 remaining. Hickman's extra point restored Fairview's two-touchdown advantage at 35-21.
A quick squib kick was quickly covered up by Cottrill, and it was then a matter of Nightingale taking a couple of knee downs to end the contest.
Next week's game won't be any easier, as Fairview will welcome Cashion to Eubanks Field, with the Wildcats making the jump to Class 2A this season. This will be a rematch of the thriller from last year, that took over four hours and two towns to complete, when the game went to overtime in Crescent after the lights went out in Cashion.
