The Barrington High School football team will take the field on Friday for its first regular season game. But instead of playing under the lights at Victory Field, the game will kick off at 4:45 p.m. 

School officials adjusted the start time of the game — football games usually begin at 7 p.m. — because of concerns surrounding mosquito-borne illnesses. Both West Nile Virus and EEE have been found in different communities across the state.

"The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has test traps throughout the state, including one in Barrington that is monitored on a bi-weekly basis," stated a press release from Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore. "As of today, there have been no positive tests for EEE or West Nile Virus in Barrington. However, the RIDEM and RIDOH (Rhode Island Department of Health) have identified all communities in our state as high risk areas."

Mr. Messore stated that Barrington Public Schools will adjust the athletic contest times for home outdoor events. 

"These adjustments are necessary to minimize exposure and protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff, and spectators," he wrote, adding that people should check the BHS athletic website for changes that may occur to the game schedules.