There will be increased security tonight as Independence High School and East Mecklenburg High School face off in Friday night football. Independence is hoping for its 100th win, a high school milestone.

In the meantime, East Mecklenburg will have extra police officers to handle crowds. In early October two former students were arrested after a game in what police believed was gang related fighting. The church where that fight broke out now has a sign posted warning that police will be patrolling the area.

CMS administrators say the extra security is in light of the expected crowds for tonight’s game and in response to the earlier altercation. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m. CMS says it expects a sellout crowd.

Watch the Friday Night Blitz tonight at 11:15 p.m. live on WCNC-TV and WCNC.com for game highlights and complete scores from all the area high school games.