The Fernandina Beach Police Department (FBPD) secured an arrest warrant for Bell High School football player Daniel Byers for an incident that occurred on Friday when Byers removed the helmet of a Fernandina Beach player and struck him with it.

According to an FBPD release sent Tuesday morning, the arrest warrant was issued in conjunction with the Fourth Circuit State Attorney’s Office for Byers, 18.

The release stated that, during the football game at Fernandina Beach, Byers “aggressively pushed and then removed the helmet of a 15-year-old Fernandina Beach High School player, subsequently striking him in the head with it.”

Referees and coaching staff intervened as multiple scuffles erupted both on and off the field, according to the release. Two FBPD officers working at the game gained control of the situation and separated the groups involved. As a precautionary measure, FBPD escorted the Bell High School bus and players off Amelia Island following the game.

The matchup was the Atlantic State Championship first-round playoff game in the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA), and the host Pirates defeated Bell, 48-21.

The FBPD reported that this is an ongoing investigation (FBPD Case # 2025-00026139) with no additional information at this time.

A video of the incident was posted on X. Grayson Weir of brobible.com reported on the disturbance in an article posted on Sunday.

The Gilchrist County School District issued the following statement regarding the incident:

“Gilchrist County Schools is aware of an incident that occurred during the recent football game between Bell High School and Fernandina Beach High School, in which a Bell High School student struck a Fernandina Beach High School student with a helmet.

We want to be clear that Gilchrist County Schools does not condone any form of aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior. This incident does not reflect the values or expectations we hold for our students, athletes, or community.

The situation is currently under review in accordance with district policies and athletic guidelines. Because this matter involves students, we are limited in the details we can share. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of our review.

We remain committed to promoting respect, sportsmanship, and integrity—both on and off the field—for all Gilchrist County Schools students and teams.”