Jack Sawyer didn’t take it simple on his outdated roommate.
With simply over two minutes left within the fourth quarter of Friday night time’s School Soccer Playoff semifinal in Arlington, Texas, the Ohio State defensive finish made the game-changing play of the night time when he pressured a fumble from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers earlier than working it again 83 yards for a scoop and rating.
It was the ultimate landing in a 28-14 win within the Cotton Bowl for the Buckeyes, who clinched a spot within the nationwide title recreation and a date with Notre Dame on Jan. 20.
Ewers, a one-semester Buckeye and Sawyer’s roommate in Columbus, Ohio, earlier than transferring to Texas, led a drive late within the fourth quarter all the way down to the Ohio State 1-yard line, simply 36 inches — and an additional level away — from tying Ohio State.
Nevertheless it was not meant to be.
A run for no acquire, a lack of seven and an incomplete go put the Longhorns in a do-or-die fourth down.
Ewers, with the sport on the road, took a snap out of the shotgun, and earlier than he may launch the ball, Sawyer got here from the suitable aspect, blowing previous sort out Cameron Williams for a clear shot on the signal-caller.
Sawyer not solely pressured the fumble, however he picked up the free ball and ran down the sidelines himself for a back-breaking rating.
ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler summed it up succinctly.
“You may’t script this; roommates when Ewers was at Ohio State. [Sawyer] spoils his dream with that strip-sack and landing,” Fowler mentioned as Sawyer celebrated along with his teammates in the long run zone.
After the sport when Sawyer chatted with ESPN, he mentioned he had some enjoyable with Ewers on the finish of the proceedings.
“I noticed the ball come out proper to me after I tackled him, I used to be simply considering, I’ve acquired to remain on my ft as a result of I virtually blacked out once I scooped it and noticed a bunch of inexperienced grass forward of me,” Sawyer mentioned.
“Simply strolling off, he mentioned, ‘Screw you,’ and began laughing,” Sawyer continued. “That’s my boy, we had been roommates when he was right here. I’ve quite a lot of respect for him and the Texas staff.”
Whereas Sawyer and his teammates get yet one more recreation, this defeat may be the final one for Ewers at Texas.
Earlier than the sport, in a sit-down with ESPN, the quarterback mentioned he doesn’t count on to be enjoying school soccer in 2025.