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Coming off their first loss of the season one week earlier, the George Rogers Clark Cardinals football team was looking for a strong response Friday night. 

In front of a larger than average crowd on Homecoming Night, they delivered one. 

GRC (3-1) dominated visitor Henry Clay (0-4) and came through with a 50-7 victory. 

“It’s always good to win homecoming, so I’m excited for them,” said George Rogers Clark High School Head Coach Joe Chirico. “The kids work hard…I can’t be more proud of them.” 

After stopping the Blue Devils on their initial possession, the Cards got on the scoreboard first with a drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown by senior receiver Sam Clements, a former quarterback who took the direct snap. 

The Cards would score on their next offensive drive as well, albeit in unusual fashion when offensive guard Max Culton picked up a fumble and ran it in from three yards out for the touchdown. 

Senior Alan Bowling then delivered on a two-point conversion run for a 15-0 lead with 2:51 remaining in the first quarter. 

Yet the Cards were not done scoring in the opening period. 

Senior Mahni John – who has doubled this year as a receiver and defensive back – took the punt from Henry Clay, and scored on a 51-yard touchdown return. 

“I was going up and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m [going to] let it bounce,’”he said. “I caught it, and I said, ‘I have one man to beat.’….and I had the sideline to myself.” 

Following an interception by senior Jones Howard, fellow senior Zaydin Turner rushed in for a 9-yard touchdown run. 

And, to conclude the Cards’ first half scoring, John caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback J.D. Mastin. 

Just four games into the season, John has scored touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams. 

“We just wanted to play well…and play together as one unit,” he said. “It all came together, and we had a good game.”

For much of the second half, with a commanding lead, GRC had its second team on the field. 

However, they still managed to find the scoreboard as freshman quarterback Carter Muzic found sophomore Braylon Nester on a 22-yard touchdown pass with senior Yeremiah Israel delivering the final score on a 1-yard touchdown run. 

Senior Hayden Cockrell, in addition to kicking the ball into the endzone on multiple kickoffs, also went a perfect 5-for-5 in extra point attempts, with junior Levi Ross converting on two as well.. 

Henry Clay delivered the final touchdown on an 8-yard touchdown run. 

In addition to the game itself, Friday night offered an interesting halftime event. 

Both the Homecoming King and Queen were named, with seniors Canivvea Johnson and Ethan Tuttle taking home the honors. 

“I’m excited and I love the experience,”said Johnson. “So many people came out, and I’m just really happy right now.” 

“There was no hint on who would win,” said Tuttle. “I’m very grateful that I got selected.” 

GRC next plays Ballard (1-3) in Louisville on Friday, September 20, at 7:30 p.m.