A Friday night rivalry has spread beyond the football field.
This week’s game between Bogalusa and Varnado was canceled because of an increase in gun violence.
Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen said tensions have been high between some of the people in the Varnado and Bogalusa area and that shootings in the local communities have increased.
Both school districts did not ask for increased police presence; instead, they cited safety concerns as the reason to cancel.
Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent Lisa Tanner said although incidents have happened off-campus, the district has been changed by crime.
In recent weeks, the district has hired resource officers, detectors are used for anyone stepping on campus and students must now use clear bookbags. The staff is also undergoing additional training.
