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Cumbie, Avengers overcome slow start, down Gladiators

May 7, 2007 - 3:53 AM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- Sonny Cumbie was going to let a slow first quarter keep the high-octane Los Angeles Avengers from winning.

Cumbie threw for 293 yards and six touchdowns and receiver Kevin Ingram had three TD receptions as the Avengers downed the Las Vegas Gladiators, 59-37, on Sunday.

Despite scoring just once in the first quarter, the Avengers took the lead for good in the second quarter when Cumbie found receiver Rob Turner for a 14-yard touchdown reception and a 19-17 lead midway through the second quarter.

Fullback Lonnie Ford then scored the first of his two one-yard touchdowns with eight seconds left in the half to leave the Avengers with a 26-17 advantage heading into the break.

Los Angeles widened the gap as Cumbie found receiver Robert Quiroga in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown and a 33-17 lead. The Avengers added a safety to wide the advantage to 18 points.

Following receiver Thabiti Davis' touchdown for Las Vegas (1-9), Cumbie hit Ingram in the end zone once again from 32 yards out, giving the Avengers a 42-24 lead and all the points they would need.

Los Angeles (5-4) moved into second place in the Western Division, a game behind the San Jose SaberCats (6-3). The 59 points by Los Angeles were the fewest the Avengers scored in six games.

Gladiators quarterback Brian Jones ran for two scores and completed 28 of 43 passes for 300 yards and three passing touchdowns.

Davis caught 13 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Gladiators, who remain winless at home this season and dropped their eighth straight game.