Coach goes off on HBCU team for ‘second dirtiest play he’s seen in his career’

Story by

Story by
Coach goes off on HBCU team for ‘second dirtiest play he’s seen in his career’

Randall Barnes, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Tue, Sep 22, 2026 ·

4 min read

About Our Ads

Coach goes off on HBCU team for 'second dirtiest play he's seen in his career' appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Stephen F. Austin head coach Colby Carthel is lobbing harsh criticism at Prairie View A&M following the injury of one of his players during Stephen F. Austin's matchup against SWAC champion Prairie View A&M. Tight end Gerard Edimo suffered an injury following a tackle by Prairie View A&M defensive back Eric Zachary.

In a video posted by KTRE News sports director Colton Snead on Monday, Carthel reacted to what occurred.C arthel began by addressing the physical toll of the game, specifically calling out the hit that injured Gerad Edimo.

"Took some hits there. Some of them weren't hits, but a couple of them didn't come out healthy. Jordan being one of them Gerad Edimo."

He then called the hit one of the dirtiest plays he's witnessed in nearly three decades of coaching.

"27 years of college football, that was the second dirtiest, most unsportsmanlike play I've seen in my career. Absolutely no business in this game for a play like that. Disgusting, it's pathetic."

Carthel praised Edimo's character and the severity of the injury he believes the hit caused.

"And Gerad Edimo is a great kid. Hope my son grows up to be like Gerad Edimo. He's a single digit for a reason. He made a routine play, got his leg near yanked off the bone, and probably ended his career. He's got two years left, and he'll probably never play another snap of football because of a dirty, unsportsmanlike play."

He also took issue with the opposing player's reaction after the hit.

"The young man got up and then made fun of him as he walked off. Disgusting, pathetic."

Carthel confirmed the situation is being reviewed by conference and NCAA officials, and credited his team for staying composed in the moment.

"We're following the protocols as we speak in terms of what the conference and NCAA want to do with said play. I hate it for Gerad, I hate it for our team, I hate it for our sport, happening right in front of our bench. Kudos to our team for holding things together, that it wasn't an all-out brawl, and that we were able to finish the game without incident."

Prairie View A&M head coach Tremaine Jackson took to his social media on Tuesday afternoon to respond to the comments.

"It's unfortunate that an injury took place and our prayers are with Gerard Edimo and his family. We pray for a speedy recovery and a successful return.

Add ClutchPoints on Google — Click Above to Subscribe

Eric Zachery is not only a good player, he is a good person, great student and one of the best people in our program!! We will not allow anyone to attack him or his character because of a play in a game.

I haven't received a call from anyone pertaining to this play, nor did anyone say anything to me after the game. Don't get on the internet and attack any of my kids!! We coach them the right way and they play the right way!! Everyone has my number, and knows how to reach me if there's a problem."

Zachary emerged as one of the best players in HBCU football over the past three seasons. In Prairie View A&M's 2025 SWAC championship season, he played 14 games and racked up 50 total tackles, 27 solo, plus 2.5 tackles for loss for 13 yards, one sack for 8 yards, two interceptions, 15 passes defended, and one forced fumble.

To start the season, he's racked up 20 total tackles, 14 solo, and three passes defended in four games.

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: