Kilipa Samaeli’s 40-yard interception return and Gavin Smith’s 100-yard pick-six sealed a 35-14 victory Saturday at Ben Lomond High School, capping an outstanding defensive performance against the visitors from Phoenix.

Ogden finished with six sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Sonoran reached the red zone five times and scored on just one of those trips.

The Sidewinders struck first when Torrey Gray broke loose for a 79-yard touchdown run on their opening possession. After that early blow, the Jets settled in and made Sonoran work for nearly everything.

Late in the first quarter, Ogden recovered a fumble and turned the takeaway into points a few plays later. Running back Conner Stevens scored from 2 yards out to help tie the game at 7-7.

That score held until late in the third quarter, when another Sonoran fumble gave the Jets an opening. Stevens delivered again, scoring his second rushing touchdown to put Ogden ahead 14-7 entering the fourth.

Then the game opened up.

Following another defensive stop, the Jets marched 72 yards in six plays. Samaeli kept the possession alive with a 33-yard run on third down, and Haydn Turner finished it with an 18-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 21-7.

Sonoran answered with a 65-yard completion that set up a touchdown by quarterback Daniel Viata. With 5:31 remaining, the Sidewinders had cut the deficit to 21-14.

When Sonoran next threatened to tie it, Samaeli stepped into the passing lane in the flat, intercepted the ball and raced 40 yards for a touchdown. Ogden led 28-14.

The Sidewinders responded by covering 88 yards in six plays and appeared poised to make it a one-score game again. Smith ended that threat emphatically, intercepting a pass near the goal line and returning it 100 yards for the final touchdown.

The defense earned the spotlight, but Ogden got important contributions throughout the lineup. Stevens supplied two rushing touchdowns, Turner finished a key fourth-quarter drive, and the punt unit helped contain dangerous Sonoran returner CJ Williams.

Part of USA Collegiate, the Ogden Jets — coached by former Utah State player and St. Joseph Catholic High head coach — are a post-prep football program that gives players an opportunity to develop, gain exposure and work toward continuing their education and football careers at a four-year school. For some, that means time to grow on the field. For others, it means improving their academic standing while pursuing the next opportunity.

The Jets want local talent, too. If you know a player who has the ability and drive to keep competing but hasn’t found the right college opportunity, visit www.ogdenjets.com for more information.