The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy football team suffered a significant blow with the news that senior wingback/linebacker Jack Russell will be gone for the season due to a knee injury.

Saints head coach Lew Johnston said Russell’s anterior cruciate ligament was totally torn and his medial cruciate ligament is partially torn, requiring surgery in four to six weeks, when the swelling subsides.

“The doctor told him not only is football over, but his high school sports career is over, because he’s also a very good lacrosse player,” Johnston said.

“We are reeling from this one,” he said.

Russell had been working hard throughout the off-season to prepare for his final year on the gridiron.

Russell said he still plans to attend every game and gave the following charge to his teammates: “Just keep pushing forward. Nothing changes. Win states.”