Top-ranked Heritage ends Sherwood’s season

NEWNAN — Sherwood Christian’s postseason run came to an end against the state’s top-ranked team.

The Eagles fell to No. 1-ranked Heritage 8-1 last week in the GIAA state semifinals, closing the season with a 15-3-1 record and one of the strongest years in program history.

“They’re number one in the state for a reason,” Sherwood head coach Roger Russell said. “Their speed and their touch were really good. We had two misses early in the match and they capitalized. I’m glad we got a goal late with Cade Bower before the match ended, but overall really proud of the seniors and the season they had.”

Heritage quickly showed why it entered the match as the top-ranked team in the state, controlling the pace and taking advantage of early opportunities to build momentum on its home field in Newnan.

Sherwood battled throughout the match and avoided the shutout when Cade Bower scored late for the Eagles’ lone goal.

The loss ended a memorable season for a Sherwood team that consistently ranked among the top programs in the state while piling up victories behind an experienced and talented roster.

Leading the way was senior standout Elim Russell, who earned Region Player of the Year honors after another dominant season. Russell signed in December to continue his soccer career at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee.

Sherwood finished the year with eight All-Region selections and established itself as one of the premier small-school soccer programs in Southwest Georgia.

Athletic director Jay Flynt credited both the Eagles’ season-long success and the challenge of facing the state’s top team in the semifinals.

“It was a good year for our group, but we ran into the number one team in the state and they were that tonight,” Flynt said.

Despite the disappointing finish, the Eagles leave behind a season filled with accomplishments, postseason success and a senior class that helped continue the growth of Sherwood Christian soccer.