Isabella Branton attends Gilbert Christian High School and is a member of the AIA's student SID program.

David Russell is a senior on Gilbert Christian High School’s Football Team. He has been playing football since the age of 9, and has been on the Gilbert Christian Team since his junior year. He loves being a part of the Gilbert Christian team and has made so many great friendships through football. Currently having scored five touchdowns, David is helping lead his team to the state playoffs! 

Here are some of David Russell’s season stats:

• 277 total receiving yards

• 14 receptions

• 5 touchdowns

• 16 tackles

• 1 interceptions

• 1 fumble recovery

David’s love for Jesus is shown on and off the field whether he is cheering on his teammates from the sidelines, doing his absolute best in practice, or demonstrating his leadership by keeping outstanding grades throughout the season, David’s motivation to do his best always keeps the team encouraged.

David’s hard work and dedication to his team is clearly shown by his friendships on the team. Peyton Johnson, a team captain on the team, says, “David is the most caring, loving, patient, and above reproach person I have met in high school. He has always been about forgiveness and humility, while also being one of the funniest guys I’ve known. He’s an amazing musician, athlete, student, and leader, always willing to step up and serve those around him while maintaining his own level and expectation for success. He’s got a heart of gold, and he’s made an extreme impact on the people around him.” 

David is loved and appreciated on the Gilbert Christian Team. One of David’s greatest friends on the team, Colby Johnston, says, “David Russell can be summed up in one word, ‘Courage.’ No matter how many times he gets knocked down he always gets back up and gives 100% on every play. David may not be the biggest or tallest player on the team, but he doesn’t let those excuses stop him from being great. The rest of the team sees this and it pushes them to play harder.” 

 

         David Russell made a great catch in warmups. Photo Credit: Lisa McWilliams

 

David is continuing to grow his skills and hopes to keep playing the sport he loves for fun throughout the offseason. “I don’t plan on playing at the collegiate level. I don’t think I am a nearly good enough player to move on even if I wanted to. I don’t think high school football is just about preparing for the next level. I think that the relationships that you build with guys on the team will be remembered over time. When I look back on my high school football days, I won’t remember losing to Arizona Lutheran 34-40, I’m gonna remember the people that shaped me into a better man.”

David and his team are ready to play their next opponent and their first playoff game on Friday November 4th! The school is ready to cheer them on! Go Knights!

 

         David Russell patiently waiting for the snap. Photo Lisa McWilliams