The helmet is the window to the player in football.
Unlike most other sports where athletes' faces are largely visible, football helmets frame the face while also protecting the player. Plus, they often provide a distinct visual identity for teams.
So which Fort Collins-area high school football team has the best gameday lids?
Everyone has different aesthetic preferences here.
Maybe you prefer a classic style like Rocky Mountain or Windsor? Or you enjoy the sleek look of Fossil's primary black or Timnath's mostly white helmets? Perhaps Fort Collins' Lambkin speaks to you, or the Wellington block "W" stands out? Does the Poudre "Impalas" blue really pop for you?
Use your vote and tell us your favorite Fort Collins-area football helmet!
You can find the poll at the bottom of the page.
Voting runs through Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m.., with the winner announced at coloradoan.com/sports on Oct. 19.
See the helmets for Fort Collins-area high school football teams below, or check out the gallery atop this page.
Fort Collins Lambkins
Fossil Ridge SaberCats
Poudre Impalas
Rocky Mountain Lobos
Timnath Cubs
Wellington Eagles
Windsor Wizards
Vote here:
Chris Abshire covers high school and community sports for the Coloradoan.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Helmet game: Vote for your favorite Fort Collins-area football helmet