Phoenix High will be using a special helmet cover known as the Guardian this summer and fall. This is a required “practice” equipment piece for the NFL starting this summer. Guardian helmet covers started being used at the high school level just over 10 years ago.

When Charlie Hall was the head coach at Ashland High School, they were the first team in the Rogue Valley to use the added protection. “Safety is the number one priority for our players,” said Coach Hall. There is no guarantee of prevention of concussion or head injury, but the combination of protection and improved technique and drill work will limit head injuries.”