Tonight’s football game at Needham will start at 6 p.m., an hour earlier than scheduled, to reduce the risk of exposure to EEE infected mosquitoes.

“The Needham community and Needham High School are trying to be proactive as opposed to reactive and waiting for something bad to happen,” said athletic director Tom Giusti.

This is the second game to be rescheduled due to the threat of EEE, following last week’s game at Waltham.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the current EEE risk level for both Newton and Needham is low. However, they both border other cities and towns with moderate risk levels.

According to Giusti, fans attending the game should wear long sleeves and use bug repellent.

Giusti added, many parents and coaches enjoy the change in start time. “For coaches, it doesn’t drag the day on for as long, and for parents, they can go out to dinner after the game,” he said.

When asked about the game, Giusti said that he has high expectations for the Tigers. “Needham football has always been very strong, and I expect a physical battle tonight,” he said. “I think we have some better players, but we have to play well in the game, under the pressure of the lights.”