Defense makes big difference in Avengers’ win

Defense is usually nonexistent in the Arena Football League, but the Avengers’ contributed more than usual in a 60-42 win over the woeful Las Vegas Gladiators on Sunday at Staples Center.

The Avengers’ defense recorded four stops, including Damien Wheeler’s first-quarter interception and Silas Demary’s second-quarter sack for a safety, to help secure a sixth victory in the team’s last eight games.

The Avengers (9-6) also forced the Gladiators (2-13) to turn the ball over on downs twice, once when they had a first-and-goal from the Avengers’ one-yard line in the final minute of the first half.

“Our defensive front has done a great job of getting pressure,” Avengers Coach Ed Hodgkiss said. “It starts with them. They’ve really cranked it up.”

Demary’s end zone sack of Nick Rolovich with 7 minutes 47 seconds remaining in the second quarter began a run of 30 unanswered points for the Avengers, turning a 21-21 tie into a 51-21 lead with 7:39 left in the third quarter.

The Avengers’ offense displayed its customary efficiency, scoring touchdowns on seven of its first eight possessions. The only time it failed was when wide receiver Lenzie Jackson lost a fumble on the final play of the first quarter.

Quarterback Sonny Cumbie completed 27 of 40 passes for 291 yards and six touchdowns -- three to Rob Turner, two to LaShaun Ward and one to Jackson. Lonnie Ford ran for one-yard touchdowns in both the first and second quarters, increasing his team single-season record to 19.

The victory left the playoff-bound Avengers needing either one loss by the Colorado Crush or a victory in the regular-season finale to be assured a home game in the first round.

Colorado (8-6) plays tonight at reigning ArenaBowl champion Chicago Rush (10-4). The Avengers would wrap up home-field advantage with a victory over Utah (7-8) on Saturday night in the regular-season finale at Staples Center.