Benny Snell and Mark Stoops honor Marco Shemwell during special night vs. Mississippi State

Benny Snell and the University of Kentucky football team continue to honor the late Marco Lee Shemwell.

Shemwell, a four-year-old boy, passed away this past Monday after being struck by a car last Saturday on Cooper Drive following Kentucky’s win over Murray State.

One week later, Snell wore a wristband that read ‘RIP Marco’ when he suited up against the 14th-ranked Mississippi St. Bulldogs.

After the game, an emotional Snell spoke about playing in honor of Shemwell.

“When you look at life and how short it is, it’s heartbreaking,” said Snell. “We play for him. It gave us that extra push.”

Snell finished the game with 165 yards and four touchdowns on 25 runs in a 28-7 Kentucky win.

Later, head coach Mark Stoops announced that he will present the game ball to the family of Shemwell.

“Glad we played well for Marco and the Shemwell family. We’re delivering the game ball to the Shemwell family.” Stoops said during the postgame press conference.

Stoops and several players will be honorary pallbearers at the funeral of Shemwell on Monday.

A moment of silence in honor of Shemwell was observed at Kroger Field on Saturday prior to the start of Kentucky’s game vs. Mississippi State.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Shemwell family.