KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — As high school football returns, Kershaw County School District is implementing a new safety measure to protect its players.
The North Central High School football team and all other high and middle schools in the district are now equipped with Guardian Caps, an innovative solution to reduce concussions on the field.
North Central Head Coach Daniel Sisk says the new safety gear was a purchase other athletic directors wanted the district to make after looking at studies.
"One of the most common injuries we have and most serious injuries we have is concussions, you know, everything we teach—eyes up, head up, flat back—is in order to prevent concussions," Sisk said.
"They absorb hits, which obviously reduce concussions, but they also reduce helmet temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees, so they are not only providing safety measures, but they are making the helmets more comfortable as well," Sisk said.
The district has distributed 500 Guardian Caps for practice. The lightweight caps take only a minute to attach.
"I definitely noticed a difference in temperature change and I don’t feel the hits as much," said player Camryn Santacroce.
"You do get a lot of confidence," Stover added.
North Central High School kicks off its season Friday against Great Falls at 7:30 p.m.