El Dorado football unveils Guardian Caps.
El Dorado football coach Scott Reed raved about his team’s improved tackling Thursday after the final scrimmage of the spring. He credited some of that to the new head gear. The Wildcats are wearing Guardian Caps during practice.
Designed to reduce impact, the soft shell fits over the normal helmet. It’s advertised as a product that will reduce concussions.
“It’s supposed to cut down about 35 percent on those kind of head-related injuries,” said Reed. “We’re wearing them every day in practice. You can’t wear them in a game. It’s just like a cover for your helmet with a padding. We bought as many as we could afford. We’re also going to see if parents want to buy them for the kids from seventh grade up. I think it’s a great thing to have for peace of mind. We did not have one issue this spring.”
Among the other benefits advertised, the Guardian Cap is supposed to keep the helmet 15 to 20 percent cooler. It also preserves the helmet, keeping the wear and tear to a minimum due to less contact.
Reed noticed another benefit, which showed up on the Wildcats’ defense.
“The game has changed the way you teach it and we’re teaching tackling without your head. If you notice, our tackling has gotten better,” said Reed. “We didn’t have guys running in there diving. Their head wasn’t down. I think that we’ve improved defensively. There’s some new equipment we’ve bought and then along with the Guardian Caps. I think, fundamentally, we’re going to get better there.”