Defense Produces Victory As Jets Edge Blue Knights

FEDERAL WAY - Off to the best start in their three-year existence, the Federal Way Jets can thank Derrick Salter and a stingy defense for their latest semipro football victory.

Salter's second interception of Saturday night's game at Federal Way Memorial Stadium - this one for 33 yards and a touchdown - lifted the Jets to a 9-7 Northwest Football League victory over the Sno-King Blue Knights.

The win gave Federal Way a 2-0 record. In their previous two years, the Jets managed only a 6-13 record.

Sno-King dropped to 0-2.

"Defense won this game," Federal Way Coach Ken Austin said. "We owe our points to our defense.

Defensive stars for Jets were linebackers Brian Thompson and Dan Norwood, and Salter, a defensive back.

After Sno-King took a 7-0 first-quarter lead, the Jets managed a safety in the second quarter when Jeff Palmer and Thompson tackled Blue Knights quarterback Roland Myers in the end zone.

The Jets got the lead on Salter's pass interception for a TD with 3:53 left in the third quarter.

Sno-King missed a chance to regain the lead in the fourth quarter when John Stupey was wide right on a 30-yard field goal.

The Jets played without starting quarterback Dwane Brown, who had a prior commitment. Mike McMahn played three quarters at quarterback, then Darryl Hudson stepped in.

"We were lucky to be able to replace Brown," Austin said. "I have to give our two replacements credit because they only came out to two practices with us so far."

George McCord had 41 yards rushing on three carries and Norm Golla added 34 yards on six carries for Federal Way, which was limited to 88 yards.

Federal Way plays at Portland next Saturday. The Jets' next home game is Aug. 15 against the Pierce County Bengals at Federal Way Memorial Stadium.