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Wes Jarrell Transfers to Point Pleasant

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Update (8.28.15) – According to Gallia Academy High School, Jarrell is enrolled at Gallia Academy, but is not currently on the football team.

 

When the Gallia Academy Blue Devils make their famous walk down the hill to Memorial Field this fall, a familiar face will be absent from the crowd.

Former Gallia Academy tight end Wes Jarrell will transfer and play his senior season at Point Pleasant High School.

“I’ll always be a Blue Devil,” Jarrell said. “But right now, I’m a Big Black.”

Jarrell will come into a program with a winning pedigree. Head Coach David Darst’s Big Blacks have made the playoffs seven consecutive seasons and finished the 2014 regular season undefeated.

In opposition, Gallia Academy has only made the playoffs once during that time span.

“I feel like it’s a better opportunity,” Jarrell said. “If I go over there to an elite program, we have a chance to go for a 10-0 season and maybe a championship run.”

Collegiate exposure played another role in Jarrell’s decision to transfer across the Ohio River. Senior quarterback Cody Mitchell and junior lineman Seth Stewart committed to Marshall University earlier this month.

Combine Mitchell’s capabilities, coming off of a 1,341 yard, 26 touchdown season, with Jarrell’s 6-foot-3, 218 pound frame and Point Pleasant’s offense could become even more prolific next season.

A high-octane offense could be just the catalyst Jarrell needs to pursue a comeback season. His junior season was hampered after suffering injuries to his rotator cuff and labrum during the first drive of Gallia Academy’s season opener. Jarrell battled through pain to play in four complete games before being sidelined for good.

“It was very difficult watching everyone play from the sideline because football is the game I love,” Jarrell admitted.

Jarrell underwent surgery after Gallia Academy’s basketball season, but said he will be ready to play come August.

Though his team will change, Jarrell has not seen the last of Memorial Field: Point Pleasant will visit Gallipolis in Week 4.

 “It’s coming back to my hometown,” Jarrell said. It’s going to be a good game and interesting for sure.”

Gallia Academy head coach Josh Riffe had no comment on the subject.