The Nassau County School District is responding to a violent altercation that broke out during Friday night’s playoff football matchup between Fernandina Beach High School and Bell Middle/Senior High School.
The incident unfolded in the final minutes of the game after the whistle had blown. A Bell offensive lineman, seen in a video now circulating online, grabbed the facemask of a Fernandina Beach player.
As the two struggled, the Bell player ripped off his opponent’s helmet, reared back and struck him in the face with it, knocking him to the ground before teammates and officials rushed in to separate them.
— – (@Spicoli_____) November 2, 2025
The Fernandina Beach player was not seriously injured, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
Despite the disruption, the Fernandina Beach Pirates kept their focus, closing out a decisive 48–21 victory to advance in the Sunshine State Athletic Association playoffs.
In a statement released over the weekend, the Nassau County School District said the incident has been reported to the Sunshine State Athletic Conference for review.
The district added that administrators at Bell Middle/Senior High School are aware of the matter and will take disciplinary action as appropriate.
The player has not been publicly identified.
The district statement also praised Fernandina Beach players, coaches, and fans for handling the confrontation with restraint.
District officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safety and sportsmanship in school athletics.
“The safety of our student athletes and proper sportsmanship are top priorities for all athletic programs at Fernandina Beach High School,” the statement read. “We are proud of how our players, coaches, staff members, parents and fans represent the Pirate community. They are all to be commended for their response to what could have escalated into something much worse.”
