LITTLETON — It’s not exactly one to be included on a highlight reel.
Arapahoe coach Mike Campbell couldn’t care less.
His Warriors gutted out a 7-6 nonleague victory over Doherty on Thursday night at Littleton Public Schools Stadium in a Class 5A nonleaguer that was more reminiscent of the 1940s than the 2010s.
Arapahoe stood up to physical play, overcame mistakes and took down the No. 10 team in the latest Associated Press 5A media poll.
“This is a team that couldn’t find a way to win last year,” an upbeat Campbell said of his Warriors, who this season have just two offensive touchdowns but are 2-0. The coach cited two games in 2014 when they were winning down the stretch, including once handily, then crumbled and lost.
“We worked really hard in this offseason to never quit, never give up and not wait to get beat,” Campbell said. “And that’s what we did tonight.”
This one was rough — and that may be a polite reference. There were a combined five turnovers, three by Arapahoe. Every time either the Spartans (1-1) or Warriors got a break, they turned it back over.
There also was a muffed punt, an interception in the end zone, an 80-yard touchdown pass for Arapahoe that was called back. The game proved to be a test of resolve.
It came down to the last drive, when running back Nick Thompson and quarterback Pete Mitchell took rushing turns behind improved play up front to seal it. The Warriors’ defense, solid all night, held one final time, and Arapahoe ground out the final 5:33 to preserve the victory.
“Give (the Spartans) credit. They’re well-coached, they were tough and they have a special player (running back TeQuan Baker),” Campbell said.
Mitchell, who threw for 80 yards and ran for two key first downs on the final drive, said his team is feeling good about heading into next week’s matchup against 5A powerhouse Grandview. The chance to go 3-0 before South Metro League play is enticing.
“Awesome win,” Mitchell said. “We finally started pushing. We had to play our game to get those (late) first downs. I just think Nick and the O-line did an awesome job of pushing.”
Baker finished with 132 yards on 26 carries and scored on a 2-yard run early in the second quarter. However, the Spartans were penalized on the conversion try and the Warriors’ rush negated the kick.
For Arapahoe, Thompson managed 76 yards and Mitchell ran it in from the 1 after a 44-yard catch-and-run toss to Deven Harriet. Nate RaPue’s extra-point kick proved to be the winning point.
Doherty0600—6Arapahoe0700—7
A — Baker 2 run (kick failed). A — Mitchell 1 run (RaPue kick).
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
