8th graders go for perfect season

The Sandpoint Affordable Football League’s eighth grade football team will be looking to complete an undefeated season when they take on the Coeur d’Alene Steelers in the championship game Saturday night at Memorial Field.

The Bulldogs have a perfect 8-0 record so far this season and have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 318-28.

Shane Sherrill, Hunter Garcia and Cameron Barrett have all played on the same team since fifth grade and each year they’ve helped Sandpoint win the championship while only suffering a handful of losses over that time frame so these kids are well accustomed to winning.

But Sherrill, who plays running back on the team, said finishing his middle school career with a perfect season would be special.

“It would just be a great experience to have going into high school,” he said.

Garcia, who is the starting quarterback, said the team has worked hard all season and an unblemished record would just be the cherry on top.

“I’m proud of how we’ve kept it up and how we’ve been confident and not too cocky,” he said.

The 13-year-olds are looking forward to playing under the lights at the field they will be competing on next season in high school.

“It’s definitely going to be cool having everyone be there,” said Barrett, who plays right guard. “It’s just fun to have people come out to the game and cheer you on.”

“We just want to give [the fans] a show,” Garcia added.

Kickoff for the championship game is set for 6 p.m. tonight.