Part space-age technology, part composite foam, a new device purchased for use by Hays CISD high school football teams aims to reduce the severity of impacts to the head.

Over the summer, Hays CISD leaders purchased protective helmet covers amounting to $11,078. The helmet covers, made by Georgia-based company Guardian, are used by more than 100 colleges and more than 1,000 high schools, according to the company’s website.

While experts in sports medicine feel the padding is the right step...