The George Rogers Clark High School football team had it chances against Tates Creek at home Friday night, but the Cardinals couldn’t overcome their mistakes.

GRC fell to 0-2 in district play after losing to Creek, 31-7.

“We haven’t focused for 48 minutes yet, and the only way we’re going to beat any of the power teams is to focus for 48 minutes,” GRC coach Oliver Lucas said.

The Commodores (6-2) struck in the game’s opening minute, scoring on a four-play drive that culminated in a 30-yard touchdown pass.

After a GRC (4-4) three-and-out, Creek scored on 27-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter.

The Cardinals answered with a 10-play, 73-yard touchdown drive. Pearce Nisbet found Nick Willoughby on a five-yard pass to cap the drive, making the score 14-7.

The Commodores added a field goal before the end of the first half to hold a 17-7 lead at halftime.

The Cardinals were certainly in striking distance as they started the second half with the ball. Two mistakes gave the Commodores starting field position inside the Cardinals own 30-yard line — once on a bad snap on a punt and the second on an interception.

Creek scored twice in the second half, both touchdowns coming after those turnovers.

“We have to execute,” Lucas said. “I’ve got to get them to play within themselves. Don’t try to be anyone else. Just be you. Be you as hard as you can, and we’ll be all right.”

Nisbet completed 10 passes for 112 yards and a score. Jadan Farris caught five passes for 62 yards. Nitavius Thomas — struggling through an ailing back — picked up 88 yards on 29 carries.

Jehdon Jenkins had 6.5 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss.

GRC wraps up district play when Madison Central (4-4) comes to Cardinal Stadium Friday.