Imagine a small town in Ohio, where the population is just 20,000, yet it has produced six active NFL players. Welcome to Pickerington, affectionately known as “Picktown.” This Columbus suburb is not just a dot on the map; it’s a burgeoning football powerhouse. In 2018, Northwestern safety Godwin Igwebuike was poised to become the sixth active NFL player from this remarkable community, following in the footsteps of Ryan Manalac, who made history as the first Pickerington native to play in a regular-season NFL game just a decade earlier.
From Farm Town to Football Factory
How did this small, rural town, which had a population of only 5,000 when a new high school was built in 1991, transform into a hotbed for football talent? The answer lies in a fierce competitive spirit that begins at the youth level and extends all the way to the NFL. The local high schools, Pickerington Central and Pickerington North, have become breeding grounds for talent, and the success stories are plentiful.
The Central Tigers have produced NFL players like Taco Charlton (Dallas Cowboys), Roger Lewis Jr. (New York Giants), and Brian Peters (Houston Texans). Meanwhile, the North Panthers have given rise to Jake Butt (Denver Broncos), Pat Elflein (Minnesota Vikings), and Igwebuike. Together, these schools sent 23 players from their senior classes to various levels of college football in 2018, and more four-star talents are on the rise.
Trailblazers and Pioneers
The roots of this football success can be traced back to the construction of a new Pickerington High School in 1991. Before that, the local sports scene was dominated by girls’ basketball, with the Tigers winning multiple state championships. However, everything changed when Manalac entered high school. Now the defensive coordinator at Ohio Dominican, he was determined to prove himself after watching his older brother play for the Tigers.
“I always hung my hat on the quote, ‘Hard work beats talent if talent isn’t going to work hard,'” Manalac said. His grit paid off when he became a walk-on linebacker at Cincinnati, eventually leading the Bearcats in tackles and earning a spot on an NFL roster.
Manalac’s journey set a new standard for future athletes, inspiring a new generation to aim for greatness. The split of the schools in 2003 further fueled competition, doubling the number of junior high, freshman, and junior varsity football teams. This decision allowed more kids to participate, fostering a culture of competitiveness that encouraged players to outdo one another.
The Rise of Young Stars
Among the rising stars is 15-year-old Jack Sawyer, a defensive end at North who has already garnered scholarship offers from several Big Ten schools, including Ohio State and Michigan. Sawyer’s athletic prowess is matched by his humility, thanks to the strong values instilled by his parents. His mother, a basketball star in her own right, and his father, a supportive figure throughout the recruiting process, have helped shape his character.
Sawyer’s story is just one of many. Central’s Demeatric Crenshaw made headlines in 2017 by rushing for a state championship game-record six touchdowns, leading his team to its first-ever state title. As a dual-threat quarterback, he is now a player to watch as he heads into his junior year.
“The coaches push us each and every day,” Sawyer said. “They get us ready to talk to college coaches. My parents always try to keep me humble.”
The Community’s Role in Success
Audrey Hasson, a sports reporter from Columbus, reflects on the transformation of Pickerington. “It was a farm town with a high school in the middle of a cornfield,” she recalls. “Now, it’s about great teachers, coaches, and families. It all starts there.”
The Pickerington Youth Athletic Association (PYAA) has been instrumental in nurturing talent from a young age. Players like Igwebuike and Butt recall their pee-wee football days, where they first tasted victory in a championship game alongside future NFL stars. “We were down by a touchdown with a minute left and ended up winning,” Igwebuike said, reminiscing about the camaraderie and competition that defined their youth.
The Rivalry That Fuels Excellence
The rivalry between Central and North is legendary. Players describe it as “top talent across the board,” comparing it to a smaller version of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. The intensity of this competition drives players to excel, both on and off the field.
Central’s coach, Jay Sharrett, emphasizes that the players come ready to work. “By the time they get to us, they’re ready for it. They have an instinct for it,” he said. This instinct is cultivated through rigorous training and a culture that values hard work and discipline.
As the seasons unfold, the community rallies behind their teams. The atmosphere during game week is electric, with traditions like cooking spaghetti for seniors and unsanctioned games between student sections adding to the excitement.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Pickerington football. With players like Xavier Henderson, who contributed to Central’s state championship team, and the ongoing success of both high schools, the pipeline to the NFL is far from drying up. “It just makes me want to be the next guy,” Crenshaw said, echoing the sentiments of many aspiring athletes in the community.
The legacy of hard work, dedication, and community support continues to fuel the dreams of young athletes in Pickerington. As Igwebuike prepares to join the ranks of NFL players, the town stands ready to celebrate yet another success story. “Pickerington has always been competitive in football and sports in general, but that wave of guys I was growing up with didn’t know how special we were,” he reflected.
And now, the world knows just how special Pickerington really is. The journey continues, and there’s much more talent waiting to be discovered.
