A vicious late hit sparked an ugly brawl between Ferris State and Newberry during the college football playoffs on Saturday. The Division-II Semifinal game very quickly got out of hand.
That applies to both the score and the behavior.
It is not easy for a player to stay composed during what could be the last college football game of his career. Especially when it is a blowout. You still cannot let your emotions get the best of you.
Newberry absolutely leveled Ferris State quarterback Chase Carter.
For those who do not know, Ferris State is one of most dominant programs in the country over the last five years. The Bulldogs won three national titles since 2020. They entered the weekend undefeated at 14-0 as the reigning national champions. A win over the Wolves punched their ticket back to the championship game against either Harding or Kutztown next weekend.
They will be the favorites to go back-to-back, even though ESPN will not put respect on their name!
Newberry, the No. 3-seed, defeated Kentucky State, West Florida and Albany State in three fairly close games to reach the semifinal round of the Division-II college football playoffs. Ferris State defeated Northwood, Ashland and Minnesota State in dominant fashion.
Saturday was more of the same. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 35-17 lead at halftime. The Wolves did not have an answer during the second half.
Quarterback Chase Carter extended the lead to 25 points with a rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Free safety Santory Jones stepped up to lay a big hit on the signal-caller.
There was only one problem.
Carter was about three yards deep into the end zone when Jones laid the wood. It was a very late hit.
— – (@Spicoli_____) December 13, 2025
Jones also stood over the quarterback after the collision.
— – (@Spicoli_____) December 13, 2025
As you could imagine, that did not go over well with Ferris State. Carter’s teammates scrambled to defend him.
Punches started flying during the college football brawl.
Andrew DeVries was the first player on the scene. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound offensive lineman wrecked Santory Jones from behind, which caused a fight to break out on the sideline.
Multiple punches were thrown by more than one Newberry player. It got dangerous.
— – (@Spicoli_____) December 13, 2025
Fortunately, cooler heads very quickly prevailed before it got too far out of hand. Players from both teams worked alongside officials to break up the scuffle. They were separated as quickly as possible.
Officials immediately reviewed the incident. Two players were ejected from the contest for the Wolves. Ferris State did not receive any additional punishment. The Bulldogs did not throw a punch.