Jr Sabers Lead the Way: First STYFC Program to Invest in Guardian Caps for Player Safety

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | September 7, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

The Susquehanna Jr. Sabers football organization has taken a bold and meaningful step forward in player safety, becoming the first youth football program in the Southern Tier Youth Football Conference (STYFC) to outfit their athletes with Guardian Caps. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, the Jr. Sabers made this investment possible, proving that community support and innovation go hand in hand when it comes to protecting young athletes.

Introducing Football the Right Way

The Jr. Sabers are focused not just on competing, but also on introducing the sport the right way to local youth. Their program begins with C-level flag football for grades 1–2, before players progress to B and A divisions of tackle football. By placing safety at the forefront, the Jr. Sabers are ensuring families feel confident signing their children up, helping the program grow and thrive while protecting its future.

Guardian Caps: From Practice to Game Day

Guardian Caps are padded helmet covers designed to reduce impact forces during practices and games. Lightweight yet durable, they help absorb and disperse contact that would normally be felt directly on the helmet, lowering the risk of head trauma over time.

The first local youth program to adopt Guardian Caps was the Valley View Jr. Cougars, who introduced them about five years ago in the All County Conference Jr. Football League as a practice-only standard. Since then, the technology has steadily gained traction, moving from practice fields to game days.

Now, the Jr. Sabers are pushing that momentum further, making Guardian Caps part of their identity and becoming the first STYFC program to embrace them.

Why Teams Are Making the Switch

Football has always been about toughness, but more and more programs are proving that safety only enhances the game. The Susquehanna Sabers varsity team has players like Gabe Maby wearing Guardian Caps in live action, while the Dunmore Bucks have gone as far as to match Guardian Caps to both home and away uniforms.

By adopting Guardian Caps early at the youth level, the Jr. Sabers are creating continuity and instilling safety as a core value from the very beginning.

Local Business Sponsors Step Up

This important investment in safety was made possible through the support of the Jr. Sabers’ Champion Sponsors:

• New Edge Diamond Services, LLC
• Backcountry Bluestone, LLC
• Chamberlain Stone, LLC
• Chamberlain & Diaz Real Estate Team
• Shursky Companies Inc.
• Three Lakes Stone, LLC

Their commitment not only equips young athletes with added protection but also reinforces the community’s role in shaping a safer, stronger future for youth football.

Leading With Courage and Care

It’s not easy being first. For a sport steeped in tradition, stepping outside of the norm often draws skepticism. Yet the Jr. Sabers’ leadership demonstrates foresight and a deep care for the long-term well-being of their players. Guardian Caps exist for precisely this reason: to prioritize safety and longevity without taking away the heart and toughness that defines football.

With the support of generous area businesses, the Jr. Sabers made this investment affordable and accessible, ensuring every young athlete in their program can benefit from this added protection.

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