‘He would always come back stronger’: Pickerington North’s Andyriq Thomas finds inspiration in brother Aydaan
Thursday, September 24, 2026
By Michael Rich
mrichnotwealthy@gmail.com
Pickerington North’s Andyriq Thomas (center) runs against Pickerington Central on September 4 at Central. Photo: Kevin Lam
Andyriq Thomas still remembers the feeling he had after leading the Pickerington North football team to a victory over rival Pickerington Central last year. He ran for 224 yards and scored both touchdowns in a 17-7 win.
But that paled in comparison to the joy Thomas felt when he saw his older brother was at the game.
The two spent some time before the game in Aydaan’s hospital room as he recovered from surgery.
Aydaan, a 2025 graduate from Central, and Andyriq were going back and forth about who was going to win that night.
“He always joked that we’re going to lose,” Andyriq recalled. “We were messing around just talking about how we’re brothers and rivals at the same time. But then we got serious, he would motivate and tell me how good I am as a brother (and) a person in general. (He said) he knows that I’ll do great.
“And so it was surprising for me to see him there after the game. With him there motivating me (earlier in the day) and showing how much care that he has for me.”
Any time Andriq needs motivation, he looks at his brother. Aydaan was born with cerebral palsy, a brain disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
“I always thought he was a regular kid,” Andyriq said. “He was able to walk but he had to have a lot of surgeries. They set him back, but he would always come back stronger.
“He’s a really smart kid. He got a 4.0 (GPA) (in high school), National Honor Society. He’s one of the smartest people (and) one of strongest people I know. He’s my best friend.”
Pickerington North head coach Nate Hillerich communicates with his offense during the Panthers’ game at Pickerington Central September 4. Photo: Kevin Lam
Last year’s game served as a reminder of how Aydaan has been a motivation for Andyriq in the past. But Aydaan is also serving as inspiration for Andyriq’s future.
Andyriq, a senior running back with the Panthers, is committed to play football at Ohio University where he’ll study exercise physiology.
“I want to help kids with cerebral palsy (to) potentially walk and do all sorts of things with their body,” he said. “They can actually use their body for good and not get as much into their head about how negative cerebral palsy can be. That’s my overall (goal).”
Andyriq got off to a slow start this season after battling a knee injury. He said he’s fine now, proved by his performance in the Panthers’ 51-7 win at Olentangy Orange on Sept. 18 in the final game of non-league play.
Thomas rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries to help North improve to 4-1 overall. The Panthers open OCC-Ohio Division play at Westerville Central on Sept. 25.
This season, Thomas has 309 yards and four scores on 51 carries, adding five catches for 64 yards even with missing all of one game and most of another. He ran for 1,246 yards and 15 touchdowns on 212 carries and was second-team all-Ohio last season.
“(He has) an incredible work ethic,” 20th-year coach Nate Hillerich said. “He was voted unanimously (as) captain. He never misses a morning workout. He’s tough, strong … everything you can ask for. (He’s) super smart.
“We don’t have a ton of seniors playing this year (because) we have a lot of juniors. So, he’s kind of the leader of the team.”
Andyriq has been playing football for as long he can remember. He started off as an offensive lineman because he said he was, “a little chubby.” But as soon as he grew into his body, his athleticism took over.
Pickerington North’s Kymani Johnson (3) makes a fingertip catch for a big gain against Pickerington Central September 4 at Central. Photo: Kevin Lam
He can celebrate a touchdown with a flip if the mood strikes him.
“My sister (Ayanna) used to do gymnastics, and she used to teach me stuff like that,” Andyriq said. “I’m a pretty athletic kid.”
This year for the Panthers, junior Chase McKee (19-for-30, 293 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception) and sophomore Demetrius Neal (31-for-54, 525 yards, 7 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) are splitting time at quarterback.
Seniors Noah Dumas (16 catches, 272 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Kymani Johnson (8 catches, 200 yards, 2 touchdowns) and junior Dennis White (15 catches, 236 yards, 4 touchdowns) lead the receivers.
Freshman Jayden Preece (64 carries, 370 yards, 4 touchdowns) has made an impact alongside Thomas at running back.
Junior linebacker Demetrius Curtis (42 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble), freshman linebacker Jayden Weaver (27 tackles, 6 tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks) and junior defensive backs Geo McKnight (2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and two pass deflections) and Keith Fincher (3 pass deflections, 1 interception) lead a defense that’s allowed just seven points in the last three games with two shutouts.
“In my eyes, we have the best defense in the state,” Thomas said. “We have two great quarterbacks and a lot of great potential in the wide receiver corp, plus two freshmen running backs and me and the same offensive line from last year. (We’ve) been coming together and getting stronger as the year has gone on.”
The Panthers are fifth in the Division I, Region 3 rankings as they seek their 13th playoff appearance. North has only one state appearance, in 2012, since the school opened in 2003.
“I always look for memories,” Thomas said. “Especially with the younger guys coming up, I want to be a great influencer on the team. And more so (I’m) into being the best person I can possibly be for my senior season.”
Pickerington North defensive back Geo McKnight (1) advances the ball after a turnover at crosstown rival Pickerington Central September 4. Photo: Kevin Lam