@Dana81. It is highly likely that there will be a fair number of Pilgrims departing Ponferrada on that date, many will have walked from further back. A close female friend completed this route over Holy Week and has not reported any concerns other than snow and mud.
I am not aware of any recent reports of incidents that would give cause for concern. The 'deaf-mute' girls usually operate somewhere on this stretch, they were last reported just outside Sarria, but they are not a threat, merely a nuisance. They are scammers and should be ignored. Some parts of the route to Samos and beyond it to Sarria are on woodland paths between quiet villages. Again I am not aware of any reported incidents and it is a very beautiful walk often beside a delightful river.
General advice from the forum is to walk always with an awareness of your surroundings - save the headphones for the Albergues. Seek to walk with others in sight if you feel uncomfortable or just ask others if you might walk with them. The Caminos are very safe, local people will be watching out for you as much as will your fellow pilgrims.
Buen (safe) Camino