Federal Way, Snohomish Merge Semipro Football Teams

For years, the Snohomish County Blue Knights and Federal Way Jets semipro football teams were enemies on the field.

Now they're partners.

A merger between the Blue Knights and Jets has formed a new team in the Northwest Football League: The Puget Sound Jets.

The team will play its home games at Edmonds Stadium and keep its business offices in the Blue Knights' headquarters in Edmonds. The teams colors will be the green, white and gold of the old Federal Way Jets.

Federal Way has won the league championship the past two seasons, but had troubles financially and in the front office. The Blue Knights, 4-6 last season, always have been strong in the front office.

The merger made sense, executive director John Fahnestock said.

"It brings together the best talent," said Fahnestock, who oversaw the football operations for the Blue Knights the past 10 seasons. "It gives us a team of immense proportions never seen before."

The team will have a fan base from Snohomish County to Renton and Federal Way, Fahnestock said.

Ken Austin, head coach in Federal Way, will be in charge on the field for the Puget Sound squad. Two former Seattle Seahawks, Richard Harris (defensive head coach) and Kerry Justin (defensive backs), will be on the coaching staff.

Fahnestock said the former Blue Knights' biggest contribution will be in public relations and marketing.

A portion from ticket sales is donated to local food banks. The Blue Knights have donated $30,000 in the past five years, Fahnestock said.

"We haven't really changed," Fahnestock said. "All we've done is change our name and added some neighbors."

The Jets will hold a tryout camp Saturday at 11 a.m. at Shoreline Stadium. Players age 18 and up can try out for one of the Jets' 55 roster spots. For information, call the Jets at 775-4200.

The NWFL regular season runs July 16 to Oct. 15.