In football, it’s tough enough to win a single championship. Just ask the Broncos.

But imagine winning six in a row. It sounds impossible, but is a reality for the Red Raiders, a football team in the Northern Youth Football Association.

Since 2008, the team, now comprised of eighth graders in the Westminster and Thornton areas, has battled through blood, sweat and tears earning top dog bragging rights. And until Sept. 13, the team was undefeated before losing 8-13 to the St. Vrain Raptors of Longmont.

With all that success, it might be difficult to keep a level head. But head coach Roman Bargas keeps his boys in line.

“We don’t brag about it too much,” he said. “As coaches we’ve kept them grounded. What happened last year doesn’t matter this year. We don’t look past teams and every week we focus on the game ahead of us.”

Coaching is a major part of maintaining a high level of consistency. Bargas admits he’s not “much of a yeller.” And when he does yell, the guys know it’s time for business. Instead, Bargas focuses on finding each’s player’s strengths and placing him in the best position for success. During practice and games he expects respect from this players and their full attention.

“We’re authority figures out here, but we don’t want them to be afraid of us,” he said. “Football is an emotional sport, so I try to be an even-keeled coach. All the coaches treat every kid as their own son and the parents respect us for that.”

This is the last year the Red Raiders will play as a team. Some players began their journey together at age four and five in flag football. The close-knit group is more than just team — they describe themselves as a family, on and off the field.

For Derek Coffman, a running back, it’s difficult to explain the bond with his teammates. He’s headed to Horizon High School next year so will no longer play with his best friends every Saturday.

“It’s been pretty crazy because we’re all really close. We’re like brothers,” he said. “When everything is all over it’s actually going to be really sad.”

Brotherhood is the word Anthony Tate refers to when talking about this team. As the quarterback, he says he must rely on the team to do his job.

“Teamwork is everything — it’s number one,” he said. “My team makes me a better player.”

The Red Raiders have a few more games before their attempt at a seventh championship in early November. Although their winning streak ended, their legacy in youth football continues. Bargas plans to soak up every ounce of time he has with his team during practice, games and off the field.

“I keep telling the guys not to take anything for granted,” he said. “After this season, everyone spits up, so it’s time to make sure we take it all in, the games, the practices and the time with each other.”