The Tigert Middle School eighth-grade team is a big bright spot for the Soda Springs football scene.

The young Cardinals recently ended their year with a 6-0 undefeated season.

What's more impressive is these boys have only lost one game in four seasons of playing together. This is testament to the talent and commitment they have for the game.

There have been a number of coaches over the years who have left their mark on this football team, but two have been there since the boys first began tackle football in fifth grade.

Eli Horsley and Dillon Liechty have been two of the consistent coaches since the now eighth-grade boys first began playing in the Southeast Idaho Youth Football League in Pocatello.

The majority of these boys, accompanied by their enthusiastic parents cheering from the sidelines, have been together since those early days.

Summer Harrison, the mother of quarterback Brackston Harrison, shared how much she has appreciated having her son play the game he loves with the same group of teammates over the years.

"It has definitely brought a closeness to not only the boys but the parents as well," she said. "I know if I can't be there, I will get photos and updates throughout the game without ever asking. I know if my boy goes down, there will be a line of parents to check on him. We all love this group of boys and want them to succeed."

With any team sport, there undoubtedly come some teammate jealousies.

However, many say this team somehow shares a unique bond in which the athletes and parents have trusted the process and their coaches with the result being an all-around positive experience and winning tradition.

Harrison said, "These boys are close friends and have such a sense of inclusion on and off the field. It's been a blessing for my son to be a part of this team and have grown up with them."

Coach Horsley added, "I have watched this team become a resilient group of young men over the years. They are a group who play for each other and not just for themselves. I have grown a special bond with this team. If they keep playing this way and stay together, the future could be a bright one."

The skills developed and instilled by some great coaches have taught these boys to be a brotherhood that has matured not only on the gridiron but in life outside of football.

That kind of camaraderie is one every sports parent wants for their child.

This group of players, with their coaches and parents, set out with one common goal focusing on positive growth in the game of football and in life.

The result has not only formed a forever bond among the group but only one loss in four seasons.