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Disclaimer: The original and print version of this story incorrectly listed GRC as playing in the 40th District. The Sun regrets the error. 

Some say that the only challenge that is more difficult than winning a championship is repeating as champions. 

In 39th District play, George Rogers Clark High School’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams have proven they’re up for the challenge. 

The Cards and Lady Cards – each featuring a first-year head coach at the school – repeated as 39th District Champions in postseason play this past week. 

“My initial reaction to our district championship win was pure joy,” said GRC Boys Soccer Head Coach Braden Powell. “When we started our season back in July, repeating as district champions was one of the first goals we made for ourselves…accomplishing one of those season-long goals is a rewarding and special feeling.”

“I felt an immense sense of pride for every member of our team and the dedication they’ve shown to reach this summit,” said GRC Girls Soccer Head Coach William Contreras. “They’ve faced a challenging schedule and improved with each game.” 

The Cards (13-6-2), who last season ended a long streak of consecutive district championship wins by rival Montgomery County, took on a pair of teams from rivaling Bourbon County. 

In a district semifinal matchup against Paris on Tuesday, Oct. 8, the team dominated, en route to a 10-0 victory. 

Senior Hayden Cockrell led the team in scoring with three goals. 

Just twenty-four hours later, in the District Championship matchup against the Bourbon County Colonels, Cockrell contributed again with an assist. 

However, senior Graitz McCrath came up big with both goals in a 2-0 shutout. 

As noted by Powell, it was a team effort. 

“We have had so many guys step up in different games and moments throughout this season,” he said. “I don’t believe we have one guy who stands out among the rest, and I view that as a complement to our team’s overall talent [and] depth.” 

In girls’ soccer, the Lady Cards (12-3-2) came out strong in a 39th District semifinal matchup, winning 11-0 over Paris on Monday, Oct. 7. 

Senior Reese Patrick led the squad with five impressive goals. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Patrick tied for the lead with two goals while four additional athletes found the scoreboard in a convincing 8-0 victory in the 39th District Championship Game. 

Contreras also acknowledged the win as a team victory. 

“Every player on our roster deserves recognition. I have a team filled with key players, each bringing unique strengths that contribute to our overall success,” he said.

Both teams combined outscored their district opponents 31-0. 

“Our district is strong and swift, effectively protecting the goal area,” Contreras noted. 

Next, the 10th Region Tournament takes place. 

The Cards play Harrison County (3-11-1) on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6:00 p.m. at Mason County High School. 

“Our major goal is to bring home the 10th Region Title,” said Coach Powell. “No GRC team has accomplished that since the 2007 team that made it to the state title game, so doing that would just be so incredibly special.” 

The Lady Cards – who won the 10th Region Tournament last year before falling to Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 – look to defend their crown beginning with a matchup on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m. at Bishop Brossart High School. 

Having received a bye into the 10th Region semifinals, they’ll play the winner of Monday’s 10th Region quarterfinal game between Bishop Brossart (15-4-4) and Pendleton County (4-13).