Boy, 15, Held in Bakersfield Football Game Killing

"Our deepest sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the 17-year-old who tragically lost his life. We also recognize the impact this incident will have on the family of the 15-year-old who was arrested," the statement said. "Two young lives and two families have been forever changed by an act of violence, and we extend our compassion to everyone affected by this tragedy."

Independence coach Vince Carter mourned Brown in a Facebook post quoted by the Los Angeles Times. "Levi had crazy potential, and I always believed [in] him," Carter wrote. "Get your rest, kid."

What police are saying

Celedon called it an isolated incident and said school games in Bakersfield remain safe.

"It's tragic, and one is too many, especially somewhere where we come to have a good time, to bring our families, and a place where we celebrate," he said. "We want to really reiterate one thing: How amazing our community is, how strong our community is. We can get through this, and I am confident that next Friday everybody will be back out here full force enjoying the football games as they're intended."

Not everyone is reassured. One parent, a former security guard for the Kern High School District, wrote on Facebook that the district and the school "need to put a plan in place to prevent this from happening again," the Los Angeles Times reported.