When Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer made headlines by scooping up a fumble from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and sprinting 83 yards for a touchdown at the Cotton Bowl Classic, it wasn’t just a remarkable play; it was a moment that resonated deeply in his hometown of Pickerington, Ohio. This electrifying play on January 10, 2025, catapulted Sawyer into Buckeye legend status, and his high school coach, Nate Hillerich, felt the excitement ripple through his home.
Hillerich’s 11-year-old son, Ross, donned his “33” Sawyer jersey and celebrated wildly, embodying the spirit of the entire Pickerington community. “He just goes crazier than anybody,” Hillerich recounted. “He’s running around, and you know everybody’s cheering. It was probably the same reaction of everybody in Pickerington.” The joy was palpable, with neighbors joining in the celebration and social media buzzing with posts of Sawyer posing for photos with local kids.
Pickerington’s football legacy shines at the CFP
The upcoming College Football Playoff championship game between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 8 Ohio State is set to spotlight Pickerington, a Columbus suburb with a population of over 20,000. Remarkably, this small town will have six players on the sidelines, matching the number from Cincinnati, which boasts a population exceeding 300,000. This unique scenario highlights Pickerington’s football prowess, particularly with several standout players on the Ohio State defense poised to make an impact at the next level.
Sawyer, along with teammates Sam Williams-Dixon, Ty Hamilton, Sonny Styles, Lorenzo Styles Jr., and Max Lomonico, represents the strength of Pickerington’s football culture. These athletes have a chance to win a national championship together, showcasing the town’s rich football tradition. The two high schools, Pickerington North and Pickerington Central, have cultivated a competitive spirit that has led to significant success on the field.
The roots of success in Pickerington
Sawyer’s journey to this moment began long before he donned the Buckeye uniform. “It starts as soon as you’re old enough to throw a football or shoot a basketball,” he explained. Growing up in Pickerington, the camaraderie and competition among young athletes were foundational. The Styles brothers, for instance, played various sports together, fostering a bond that would later translate into success on the football field.
Sonny Styles, who has emerged as a key player on the Ohio State defense with 94 tackles this season, echoed this sentiment. “The biggest thing is there are a lot of people in Pickerington who love ball,” he said. “They love playing football and they care a lot. It is 365 days of work.” This dedication is evident in the success of former players who have transitioned to the NFL, including Ty Hamilton’s brother, Davon, who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Styles brothers’ father, Lorenzo, who had a six-season NFL career.
Building a legacy through hard work
The North-Central rivalry is not just a local phenomenon; it has implications that extend to college football. “The city used to shut down,” Hamilton recalled. “It was a surreal feeling to be out there and be able to play as hard as you can against North. It really prepared me to be at Ohio State. We have the exact same culture.” This fierce competition has fostered an environment where hard work and determination are paramount.
Coach Hillerich emphasized the importance of community and respect among former players. “I do not think there is any rivalry more vicious in high school than the one we have in Pickerington,” he stated. “But with those guys, there is respect because they grew up together. We’re absolutely rooting for all of them.” This mutual support is a testament to the strength of the Pickerington football community.
Giving back to the community
As these players rise to prominence, they remain committed to giving back to the community that nurtured them. Max Lomonico, who officiated youth football games while in high school, understands the importance of staying connected to their roots. “As a young kid, all we did was play sports all the time,” he said. “We wanted to beat each other as we kept getting older and older, we grew a bond that was pretty hard to break, so we are always there for each other.”
Sawyer embodies this spirit of giving back. After his standout performance in the College Football Playoff, he took time to sign autographs and engage with fans, particularly children who look up to him. “It means everything to us,” Sawyer expressed. “We talk about it all the time, setting a good example for kids across the country. But more importantly, it’s the kids in our community growing up.”
Looking ahead to the future
The upcoming championship game presents an opportunity for these athletes to not only win a national title but also to solidify their legacy in Pickerington. Lorenzo Styles Jr. reflected on the significance of this moment, stating, “I would embrace it. Pickerington will embrace it with the people that have been a part of it. It goes to show the teams that we have been a part of and what our standard of excellence is.”
As the spotlight shines on Ohio State and its talented roster, the story of Pickerington serves as a reminder of the power of community, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. The journey of these athletes is not just about personal success; it’s about lifting each other up and inspiring the next generation. In Pickerington, football is more than a game; it’s a way of life.
