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After falling to Tates Creek in the opening round of the KHSAA Class 6A playoffs the last two seasons, the George Rogers Clark Cardinals (5-6) football team traveled to Lafayette High School to take on the Generals (6-5) on Friday, November 8. 

As has occurred several times this season, the Cards’ second-half magic made the difference. 

GRC overcame a 6-0 halftime deficit and toppled the Generals 14-6, giving the team its first postseason victory since 2019 and Head Coach Joe Chirico his first postseason win with the Cards. 

“I’m excited for the players. It’s not about me at all. It’s about them and what they do and how they go about their business,” Chirico said. “Our guys are resilient. They’ll do anything to play and win.” 

In the early going, the Cards showed some prowess on offense as they moved the ball inside the Generals’ 40-yard line on three occasions in the first half. 

However, tough opposition kept GRC off the scoreboard. 

Not to be overlooked, GRC’s defense kept the Generals at bay for much of the first half. 

However, after a 4th down conversion set Lafayette up with a 1st-and-goal, quarterback Ransom Payton was able to sneak it in for a 1-yard touchdown run. 

A failed two-point conversion made the score 6-0 in favor of Lafayette at halftime. 

Midway through the third quarter, the Generals looked poised to add to their lead as they drove the ball inside of the Cards’ 25-yard line. 

However, GRC defensive back Mahni John came up with a momentum-changing play as he intercepted Payton’s pass. 

“I just knew I had to read my keys…it all falls back to technical work we did all week,” he said. “I trusted my thoughts and trusted my instincts and also the coaching…and I came up with [the interception].” 

On the ensuing offensive drive, the Cards got on the scoreboard when QB Sam Clements connected with wide receiver Kamden McAlpin for a 26-yard, over the shoulder touchdown reception that – combined with an extra point from Hayden Cockrell – gave the team a 7-6 lead. 

Yet the Generals would not be deterred. 

They drove to GRC’s 2-yard line and, following a stand by the Cards’ defense, attempted what looked to be a high-percentage field goal. 

However, linebacker Jones Howard broke through the offensive front and came up with a key block that protected a 7-6 lead with eight minutes remaining. 

The Cards’ offense capitalized on the ensuing possession, capping off a long-drive with a 5-yard touchdown run from Yeremiah Israel for a 14-6 lead with 5:35 remaining. 

Israel, seeing more than his average share of playing time, finished with 9 carries for 24 yards. 

“My mindset this whole week was to score. I’ve been trying all week at practice,” he said. “I really wanted to score for our team so we can go to the next round.”

The Generals had one last opportunity to score, and added to the game’s suspense by driving inside of GRC’s 15-yard line. 

However, on fourth down, the Cards’ defense once again came up strong as linebacker Scotty Mitchell intercepted a pass near the endzone. 

A strong running game on the Cards’ next offensive possession followed, with Trey Davis (6 carries for 86 yards) and quarterback Sam Clements (19 carries for 91 yards) putting the game out of reach after picking up multiple first downs. 

Clements also completed 5 of 8 passes for 76 yards with one touchdown, while J.D. Mastin completed 1 of 6 passes for 8 yards. 

The Cards finished with over 300 yards of offense, including 235 yards rushing. 

They also finished with sacks from Howard and linebacker Stryker Davidson, while four separate players – including linebacker T.J. Hooten and defensive lineman Cole Rose – contributed tackles for loss. 

The victory was especially sweet for seniors such as John. 

“We knew we hadn’t been to the second round in a while, so we just wanted to advance,” he said. “We had to give everything we had.” 

The Cards continue their postseason in a KHSAA Class 6A Second Round playoff game on Friday, November 15, at Frederick Douglass (7-4) at 7:00 p.m.