SILVER CITY, N.M. – Behind a strong defensive effort that forced seven turnovers, along with several sacks and stops on downs, helped power the defense to an 81-56 win over the offense in the Western New Mexico University football spring game on Saturday.

The defense exploded to an early lead of 43-22 behind interceptions from Isaiah Edwards (Jamul, CA/Valhalla), who had a pair of interceptions, James Nelson, Juwan Sumper and Alfonso Wilson (San Diego, CA/Morse) among others. The offense began to work their way back with big runs from reigning RMAC Freshman of the Year Marquis Rodgers and Will Taylor (Santa Monica, CA/Santa Monica). Mitch Glasmann (Temecula, CA/Chaparral) also had some big pass plays to Mike Ball.

Michael Harrison and Rashaan Miller (Santee, CA/West Hills) kept the offense coming back with Harrison running in a score and Miller throwing another to pull to within eight at 43-35.

Defense would answer back with several stops on downs, along with a sack to expand the lead back into double-digits when Glasmann threw a TD pass to bring the offense back to within six at 60-54.

From that point on, the defense took control. A pair of turnover on downs followed, before the defense recovered a fumble to go up 73-55. A sack and then Wilson's interception helped provide the final margin of 81-56.

This marks the fourth straight season in which defense has come away with the victory.