In the first ever matchup between the two schools, George Rogers Clark hosts the Ballard Bruins this weekend.

Ballard’s head coach, Adrian Morton, is a product of the Oliver Lucas coaching tree. Morton was an assistant to Lucas during his tenure at DuPont Manual.

Ballard has started 2-3 on the season, with no home games on their schedule this year due to their stadium being renovated.

But that record does not truly reflect the strength of this team, with losses to Male, North Hardin and Fern Creek, who have a combined record of 12-2.

The Cardinals offense will be put to the test against the Bruins, who rank first in 6A in fumbles recovered and are tied for seventh in interceptions. The Cardinals have only given up the ball three times this season and will need to keep that going to score points against a stingy Ballard defense.

GRC could look to air the ball out against the Bruins. Ballard has created havoc for opposing quarterbacks this season, but the Cardinals pass protection has been great, as KHSAA lists they have only given up one sack this season.

The Bruins offense has looked great in two of their games, scoring 90 points between the two, but have failed to put up more than 14 points in their three losses. However, their three games they didn’t score more than two touchdowns came against three of the state’s top defenses.

GRC has given up more than three touchdowns in each of their four games this season and will need to lock in to keep the Bruins offense from scoring big.

Look for Tye Boyken to help anchor the Cardinals young secondary. GRC has used him against other team’s top wideouts all season, and Ballard has the best receiving core the Cards have faced this season. Their leading receiver, Josh Minkins, has committed to Louisville to play defensive back.

A win for the Cardinals would give them a share of the lead in the 8th District race as Oldham County is on a bye this week.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday night at the new Cardinal Stadium.