2026 Team Preview: Point Pleasant Big Blacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: QB Caden Hill - DB Anthony Marrero - RB Brody Bowen - LB Gage Devault - OL Kenneth Brogan-Wears - OL Andrew Meadows - DL Gage McCoy - LB Andrew Whittington - OL Parker Boles - OL Cooper Craig - WR Gavin Barnett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first season under head coach James Higginbotham proved to be a challenging one as Point Pleasant finished 0-10 while working through the early stages of a rebuild following the retirement of legendary long-time coach David Darst. The Big Blacks battled through a difficult season but struggled to find consistency on either side of the ball. Adding to the challenge, several key contributors from that roster have now graduated, leaving more holes to fill as the program continues its climb back. While the win column didn't reflect it in 2025, laying the foundation and establishing a new culture were important first steps, even if returning to contention is expected to be a multi-year process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Fairland (OH)<br>9/4: at Gallia Academy (OH)<br>9/11: vs Chapmanville<br>9/18: at Ripley<br>9/25: at Lincoln County<br>10/2: vs Nitro<br>10/9: at Herbert Hoover<br>10/16: at Marietta (OH)<br>10/23: vs Buffalo<br>11/6: vs Winfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>0-10<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 1-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another challenging season could be ahead for Point Pleasant as the Big Blacks continue working through the rebuilding process. Graduation created even more openings on a roster that was already searching for answers, meaning several new faces will be counted on to step into larger roles this fall. Even if the wins don't come immediately, the biggest goal in year two under James Higginbotham is showing measurable progress after a full offseason in the system. Patience will be required, but if the Big Blacks continue to establish the new culture, develop their younger players, and become more competitive each week, they'll be laying the groundwork for better seasons in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2220800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A senior poised for a larger role this season is 2027 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2220800' first='Braxton' last='Bauer']. The long, athletic playmaker produced on both sides of the ball last season, hauling in 17 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns while finishing third on the team with 39 tackles and an interception. Bauer can stretch defenses vertically and create explosive plays whenever the ball comes his way, and with another year of experience, he should become an even bigger part of Point Pleasant's passing attack. His two-way production will be invaluable for the Big Blacks, and don't be surprised if Bauer puts together a breakout senior season while emerging as one of the more underrated players in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19845880/691296b7b961307c34280a44u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6785d06c7b2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2170266"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upfront stability for Point Pleasant starts with 2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='2170266' first='Owen' last='Pursley']. The returning starter gives the Big Blacks valuable experience on an offensive line that must replace several graduated contributors, making his presence even more important this fall. Pursley returns as the Big Blacks' starting center and has the versatility to slide over to guard if needed, providing flexibility along the interior. His stocky build and experience should help anchor the offensive front as the program continues to develop, and he's a small college prospect worth keeping an eye on heading into his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/pursley_owen/status/2067045799595229473","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/pursley_owen/status/2067045799595229473 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311020"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Point Pleasant has a promising young piece to build around in 2028 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1311020' first='Isaiah' last='Waminan']. Despite the challenges the Big Blacks faced a season ago, Waminan continued to flash his potential as a playmaker and one of the brightest young players on the roster. His natural ball skills stand out, as he tracks the football well and has shown the ability to make plays in contested situations. With two years of varsity experience already under his belt, expect Waminan to take on a larger role this fall. If his development continues on its current path, he has all the tools to put together a breakout junior season and emerge as one of the top playmakers in AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19876118/6912477f2e5cb6150ef0b108u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6785d06c877"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2181216"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A young defender to know for Point Pleasant is 2028 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='2181216' first='Ethan' last='Grimm']. While he may not be the biggest defensive lineman, Grimm consistently found ways to make an impact along Point Pleasant's interior front as a sophomore. He plays with good leverage, a relentless motor, and the determination to fight through blocks while pursuing the football from snap to whistle. Those traits helped him put together a productive sophomore season and should continue to serve him well as he develops. With two more years in the program, Grimm has plenty of room to grow and is an underrated player who could become one of the Big Blacks' most reliable linemen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22555057/693125ec6f3c5abdcb40f554u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6785d06c934"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311019"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An opportunity to earn a varsity role could be coming for 2028 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1311019' first='Ean' last='Wasonga'] after spending the past two seasons developing at the JV level. The upside has always been there, and now the Big Blacks will be looking for that potential to translate against varsity competition. Wasonga flashed playmaking ability while working his way through the program, giving Point Pleasant hope that he can become a varsity contributor as his opportunities increase. If he carries that development over to Friday nights, Wasonga has the tools to become another young piece the Big Blacks can build around in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WasongaEan1/status/1988621685482803249","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WasongaEan1/status/1988621685482803249 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624362"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Point Pleasant will need several players to embrace larger roles this fall, and 2028 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1624362' first='Khileel' last='Bryant'] is one of the names to watch. After earning varsity opportunities as a sophomore, Bryant enters his junior season with the chance to see a much bigger workload on both sides of the ball. As the Big Blacks replace key contributors from last year's roster, they'll be counting on players like Bryant to help fill those voids. His potential gives him a great opportunity to emerge as one of Point Pleasant's breakout players in 2026 if he takes a step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22555052/699b56b7e821614cc1135be6u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6785d06c99c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2256318"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opportunity is there for 2028 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='2256318' first='Boston' last='Patterson'] to make a significant jump this season. With a physically developed 6'2 190 frame, Patterson has the size and athletic tools that give him plenty of long-term upside despite seeing limited production as a sophomore. He's still putting the pieces together as a player, but the upside is apparent for him to become a much more impactful player as a junior. If that development continues, Patterson has all the physical tools to break out as a junior and develop into one of Point Pleasant's top defensive players over the next two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BostonP_/status/2035480641752723531","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BostonP_/status/2035480641752723531 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112407"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A young name to know in Point Pleasant's program is 2029 WR [player_tooltip player_id='2112407' first='Ryan' last='Gibbs']. After spending last season at the JV level, Gibbs has an opportunity to earn a varsity role as a sophomore and begin carving out a place in the Big Blacks' offense. The 6'1 receiver brings an intriguing combination of size and athleticism, with the speed to stretch the field and create separation down the field. While he's still developing, the physical tools are there for him to become a big varsity contributor over the next few seasons. Gibbs is a player worth keeping an eye on as he continues to grow into his role and could take a significant step forward this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Ryan1Gibbs/status/2024663462874411147","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ryan1Gibbs/status/2024663462874411147 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bailes - 2027 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hayden Hunt - 2027 RB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nate Burgess - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894659' first='Wyatt' last='Meadows'] - 2027 DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gabriel Dickens - 2029 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2169212' first='Raylen' last='Johnson'] - 2029 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kam Patterson - 2030 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->