Malachi Russell honored at Sherwood Christian

ALBANY — Hundreds of family, friends, and well-wishers gathered on a chilly March night with a stiff breeze at Sherwood Christian Academy’s football stadium Thursday night to honor one of the school’s favorite soccer players and retire his jersey. The evening was filled with emotional moments for everyone in the stadium, including the opposing team.

There was a soccer game going on at the stadium, but the game was secondary on this night. People fill the stands and the sidelines to honor young Malachi Russell, a seventh-grade student and soccer player at Sherwood Christian. Russell is battling an aggressive, rare cancer and cannot play soccer at the moment, but was on hand to be the team’s “Keeper” to start the game in his wheelchair with his older brother Cameron by his side.

“He would much rather be diving in the grass for the ball,” said Malachi’s dad Roger Russell. “Sometimes bad things happen in life and there are tough times. You just have to trust in the Lord,” he said. “Malachi hasn’t lost his faith and gives all the glory to God for being able to be here tonight.” Malachi smiled as his dad spoke. “He is not mad or angry about this and he would have every right to. When Malachi was asked what he wanted to say, “Jesus loves you,” was his response.

At half time of the boy’s soccer game Thursday, Malachi’s “00” jersey was retired by Sherwood head coach Jeremy Davidson. In a recorded speech played from the press box while Davidson was on the field with Malachi and the team, Davidson said “A player’s jersey is only retired when a player significantly distinguishes themselves. You have been extraordinary and forever changed all of us who are a part of Sherwood FC. You have never been focused on yourself, but instead on those around you. You have shown us was family really looks like.” Davidson continued, “You will be the only person to ever wear the “00” jersey. That you for what you have taught us.”

The game began with Malachi in front of the goal in his wheelchair with his brother Cameron next to him. After kicking the ball around for a while, the goalie from the opposing team, Central Fellowship Academy of Macon, kicked the ball down the field and shot toward the goal and Malachi caught the ball, bringing cheers from his teammates and the crowd. Teammates gathered to fist bump with Malachi and each of the opposing team members also came to greet Malachi.

There was an actual region game being played Thursday night as well and the Eagles were definitely not looking lose another match after falling in last week’s “Under the Cross” tournament at the expansive Sherwood Christian Academy complex. It was obvious early on the Eagles were stronger, faster and more skilled than those from Central Fellowship and held a 4-0 lead at the half. The team reacted with a huge team hug after Malachi’s brother Cameron kicked in the third goal of the night. Josh Thomas and Landon Davidson had also scored for the Eagles.

The Lady Eagles won the girls’ game as well, by a 5-0 final.

A full photo gallery of the event will be posted on albanyherald.com.