PLYMOUTH — Washington County High School's homecoming football game has been rescheduled for Monday, Oct. 12, at 5 p.m., following a series of shootings in Plymouth that prompted town officials to impose a nighttime curfew for teenagers.

The game, originally scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, was postponed "out of an abundance of caution," along with the school's homecoming parade. The school subsequently announced the new game date, but a rescheduled date for the parade has not been confirmed.

The changes come amid heightened public safety concerns in Plymouth following reports of repeated gunfire at a residence and possible shootings elsewhere in town.

In a social media comment, Plymouth Councilman John Shelton said Friday that a particular residence had been targeted by gunfire for three consecutive nights. He also reported that shootings may have occurred at two other locations on opposite sides of town during the past week.

"Last night was the third consecutive night a particular house was shot up," Shelton said. "There are potentially two other locations on different sides of town where there have been shootings in the past week."

Shelton declined to identify the locations, citing the ongoing investigation.

According to Shelton, the shootings have occurred at 10 p.m. or later, prompting discussions with Mayor Crystal Davis about additional measures to protect residents.

The town enacted a curfew Thursday, Oct. 8, restricting unaccompanied teenagers from being out in public between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The curfew remains in effect until further notice, according to town officials.

"Without compromising the investigation, I will just say that a curfew for teenagers gives officers and deputies a reason to stop teenagers who are out after 10pm," Shelton said.

Shelton said he supported the mayor's decision, particularly with homecoming activities originally scheduled for Friday night.

"The times of the shootings have all been 10 pm or later," he said. "After discussing this with the Mayor yesterday, she decided (and I supported) to implement the curfew, especially in light of tonight's Homecoming football game."

Shelton acknowledged that the decision could draw criticism but said town officials believed action was necessary.

"As governing representatives, we realize that we will be criticized whether we act or not, so sometimes taking action is better than standing silently while lives are at risk," he said.

Mayor sought cooperation from school officials

Before Friday's postponement announcement, Davis contacted Washington County Schools Superintendent Dr. David White, requesting that the school system coordinate with the town during the remainder of homecoming week.

The mayor shared the email Thursday, explaining that it had also been forwarded to the Plymouth Town Council.

"In light of the recent shootings in Plymouth and the curfew declared by the Town, I am asking that the school system work in coordination with the Town of Plymouth throughout the remainder of Homecoming Week," Davis wrote.

At the time, the football game was still scheduled for Friday evening.

The mayor requested that school officials inform students about the curfew and encourage them to return directly home following the game rather than gathering elsewhere in the community.

"We are asking that students not remain out in the community after the game and instead go straight home," Davis wrote.

Davis emphasized that the safety of students and residents must remain the priority.

"Given the recent events in our community, student and community safety must come first," the mayor wrote. "We want to make sure the Town and school system are providing a consistent message to students and families and doing everything possible to keep our young people safe."

Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the reported incidents are connected, and additional information about the investigations was not immediately available.

Residents and families are encouraged to monitor announcements from Washington County Schools and the Town of Plymouth for further updates.

The Roanoke Beacon will continue to follow developments.