Avengers cruise to victory

Sonny Cumbie completed 24 of 30 passes for 293 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Avengers to a 59-37 Arena Football League victory Sunday over the Las Vegas Gladiators.

The Avengers (5-4) moved into second place in the AFL’s Western Division, a game behind the San Jose SaberCats (6-3).

The Avengers outscored the Gladiators, 35-10, over the second and third periods, making a fourth-quarter comeback nearly impossible.

Kevin Ingram had 13 receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns.

“It was an all-around effort for us today,” Ingram said. “It didn’t matter if we were on special teams, defense or offense, we were just all on the same page.”

Las Vegas (1-9) has not won a home game this season and has lost eight in a row overall. Brian Jones completed 28 of 43 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns and ran for two for the Gladiators.

After fullback Lonnie Ford rushed for the first of his two touchdowns with eight seconds left in the first half, the Avengers took a 26-17 halftime lead.

They extended their advantage to 35-17 in the third quarter on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Cumbie to wide receiver Robert Quiroga and a quarterback sack by nose guard Jason Stewart that resulted in a safety.