Behrendt signed with Tucson after being released by the Rattlers just over two weeks ago and the 6-2 dual-threat quarterback made the most of his first start.

Behrendt did most of his damage in the second quarter with a 32-yard bomb to Curenton and followed it up with a 15-yard touchdown run with 40 seconds left in the first half.

Then Coleman pulled a switcheroo and plugged in last season’s IFL passing leader Jake Medlock to take the reigns of the offense. Behrendt finished the game with 49 passing yards, 29 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

“They’re both capable of being starters in this league and we’re fortunate to have a first-teamer and a second-teamer that have started games and understand the flow of the game,” Coleman said. “We’re very fortunate to have two guys like that. Matt came in and set the tone. He was doing well and made the right reads, got us some scoring and got the offense rolling.”

Medlock didn’t quite pick up where Behrendt left off, because he fumbled the football on San Diego’s 2-yard line when a score would’ve given Tucson some breathing room, but instead, allowed the Strike Force to creep within 35-30.