RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - There are some changes to Armstrong High School's homecoming football game Friday night.
Richmond Public School officials tell CBS 6 as a safety precaution they are changing the start time of the game to 6:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.
"There have been some community issues going on and we just want to make sure we have prepared a safe environment," said principal April Hawkins.
Along with the game being on Halloween night, RPS Spokeswoman Cletisha Lovelace said some of the community issues include a 15-year-old teen boy who was shot and killed in Mosby Court earlier this week.
There also was a fight at Armstrong High School last Friday just before dismissal, according to Lovelace. Lovelace said police were called and the building was placed on code red for 30-40 minutes.
"Many of our students, fans, and community members may walk to the game so this just allows for an earlier exit so everyone can get home safe," said Hawkins.
RPS officials said they are also working with Richmond Police to have increased security. However, some said they do not know if a time change will make much of a difference.
"If it's going to happen, it's going to happen," said one grandparent, "They're going to find a way."
Still, sophomore Jonathan Sommerville said he is happy to hear about the precautions his school is taking and is hoping for a fun and safe homecoming night.
"Everybody is looking to just have fun, see Armstrong win," said Sommerville.
