Air Force’s defense was fierce, holding the Jets to negative yardage heading into halftime. Their old-school, Double Wing-T offense was just as effective, grinding out 12- to 18-play drives and controlling the pace of the game.

Through the first half, the visitors attempted only three passes, one of which found the end zone. It was a physical, disciplined brand of football. Air Force knew its identity and executed it well.

The final score was 52-0 in the USA Collegiate post-prep/junior college football game held at Ben Lomond High School, but there was more to it than the scoreboard showed.

Ogden found some life in the third quarter. A big kick return, positive yardage and a handful of first downs gave the Jets (1-3) something to build on. There was a spark, and you could see the difference between a program with an established foundation and one still working to build its own.

But you could also see something else. The Jets continued to compete. There were flashes of potential, opportunities to make plays and, most importantly, a group of young athletes who didn’t appear ready to hang their heads and call it a day. This group still has plenty to play for.

Jets head coach Jeramy Hunt-Loveless has a vision and a plan for developing each athlete through the process. And in a sport where adversity comes with the territory, that message matters. Every rep is an opportunity and every snap is a chance to improve. That is football. For players hoping to take their game to the next level, every moment on the field is a job interview.

A few Jets stood out during Saturday’s contest.

No. 21 Kylan Jones stepped up in the fourth quarter, making tackles with impressive closing speed and sound technique. When the game gets away from on the scoreboard, effort still matters and Jones continued to show it.

No. 23 Cameron Craney started hot and kept making solid stops throughout the game. He was another player who continued to compete against a tough opponent.

No. 5 AJ Glaspy is nasty with the ball. He had a handful of opportunities to make things happen, and he’s definitely a player I’d like to see get the ball in his hands more.

Credit where credit is due. Air Force was bigger, well-coached and as disciplined as they come. Their defensive gap assignments and pursuit angles were impressive, and the offense did a great job executing on third and fourth downs.

There is a reason established programs become established programs. It takes time, discipline, consistency and a commitment to doing things the right way. The Jets are still working toward that point.

Saturday was a difficult result, and nobody is going to pretend otherwise. But a young program cannot measure its progress by the final score alone. You look for improvement, effort, execution and players who continue to fight when things aren’t going their way.

For the Ogden Jets, the work continues, and it is easier to build when the community shows up. The Jets have a bye next week.