Cumbie Wins Praise in Loss

Although the Avengers have lost four consecutive games -- their longest losing streak since the start of the 2001 season -- things are looking up for the defending Western Division champions.

That’s because of the emergence of quarterback Sonny Cumbie.

A rookie from Texas Tech who led the NCAA in passing as a senior in 2004, Cumbie played well in his first career Arena Football League start last week, a 68-66 loss to Utah at Staples Center.

“It’s the best we’ve had a guy play at that position this season,” said Coach Ed Hodgkiss, who has started three players at quarterback over the last four games. “It was real encouraging to see, not just with [Cumbie] but also our improved play up front.”

Cumbie, who began the season leading the scout team offense, completed 29 of 43 passes for 266 yards and seven touchdowns. His poise against Utah impressed Hodgkiss as well as teammates, so Cumbie will get his second start when the Avengers play at Orlando on Sunday.

“He has the ability to make all of the throws needed in this game,” Hodgkiss said. “The key is getting the ball out on time and to the right person.”

Three of Cumbie’s touchdown passes were to veteran Greg Hopkins, who said the rookie was strong after a shaky start.

“He didn’t get too worked up over it,” Hopkins said. “For a guy who is as young as he is, Sonny was very positive. He was very relaxed out there calling plays with his southern drawl.

“There were a couple of critical situations when it was fourth down and we needed to make a play. He came in the huddle and said ‘OK, this is the play; now let’s make this happen.’ He really played with confidence.”

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The Avengers (1-4) will play six of their next seven games on the road, a key stretch for a team that trails Utah by one game in the Western Division.

“We’re starting to show some improvement but it’s at the point where we have to start getting some wins,” Hodgkiss said. “We’ve been fortunate that no one in our division has pulled away.”

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With fullback/linebacker Josh Jeffries out for the season because of a broken fibula and dislocated ankle suffered in last week’s game, the Avengers signed Lavell Mann this week. Mann, who played defensive tackle at Colorado State, played one game this season with the Las Vegas Gladiators before being waived on Feb. 14.

The Avengers also signed offensive/defensive linemen Maurice Anderson and Victor Leyva.

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A new start

* Passed for 4,742 yards (No. 6 all-time in NCAA Division I-A history) and 32 touchdowns his senior season in 2004 at Texas Tech.

* Finished his college career by passing for a career-high 520 yards as he led Texas Tech past then-No. 4 California, 45-31, in the Holiday Bowl.

* Backed up record-setting quarterbacks Kliff Kingsbury and B.J. Symons for three seasons before becoming the Texas Tech starter.

* Earned a college scholarship a year after joining Texas Tech as a walk-on.

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Avengers 2006 media guide