The Niles football team is probably getting some funny looks this season as they take the field wearing their Guardian Caps.

Guardian Caps are a soft-shell helmet cover that reportedly reduces the impact of a hit by 33 percent.

Due to the number of concussions the Vikings had last season, veteran coach Antwon Jones decided that something had to be done to help protect his players.

Although no helmet, pad or practice apparatus can reduce or prevent concussions, helping reduce the impact of a helmet-to-helmet hit is still important.

“We needed to find something to help protect those kids who have had concussions,” Jones said. “We have about 20 kids wearing them in games and about 40 total for practice.”

There are currently more than 30,000 players and 300 teams across the country using Guardian Caps at the youth, high school and collegiate level, including the Clemson Tigers.

Jones that said that players who have previously had a concussion and those playing in a high-impact position such as linebackers and running backs are wearing them.

“At first they thought they were big, but now they have no issues with them,” Jones said about the initial reaction of the team.

Niles will be wearing them Friday night when they host Kalamazoo Central in a SMAC non-divisional match-up.

The Vikings are 3-1 coming into the game having lost for the first time last week to Portage Northern.

The Maroon Giants are 0-4 on the season and have given up more than 34 points a game in three of their four contests.

The Vikings have won two straight against Kalamazoo Central, including a 26-14 decision last year.

Niles should have no trouble scoring against the Maroon Giants as the Vikings have posted 34 or more points in three of its first four contests.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

 

Cassopolis at Brandywine

The visiting Rangers and Bobcats are both coming off losses from a week ago.

Cassopolis (2-2) lost a heartbreaking 28-27 decision to Buchanan.

The Rangers missed three extra points in the contest, which they led 27-14 entering the fourth quarter.

Isaiah Crider, who led the game for a while due to injury, returned and finished with 156 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown for the Rangers.

Brandywine (3-1) dropped a 27-19 decision to 10-time state champion Mendon.

The Hornets held Brandywine to just 187 yards in total offense. The Bobcats came into the game averaging 56.0 points per game and 444 yards in total offense.

Brandywine quarterback Andrew Duckett ran for a touchdown and threw for a score.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the BCS Red Division contest.