With a sloppy offensive performance Wednesday and the threat of a tying or go-ahead score, MEDDAC relied on what carried it through the entire Commander’s Cup Preseason Football Championship at Essebagger Field.

The defense came through again and earned MEDDAC a 6-0 win over the 598th Maintenance Company and the preseason title. MEDDAC played four games in the tournament and never allowed a point.

“The heart of our team is our defense … even when we’re a little sloppy on offense, we live and die on our defense,” MEDDAC coach Phillip Moore said. “They’re real competitive … they don’t want to ever give away any points.”

With 6:22 remaining in the game, the 598th started its most productive drive, which began from its own 15-yard line. Quarterback DaMarchitzy White converted a pivotal fourth down with a 5-yard scramble and three plays later found a running lane for a 22-yard gain.

With about two minutes remaining and the 598th 15 yards away from the tying score, the MEDDAC defense put pressure on White, forcing two incomplete passes, a sack and a turnover on downs.

“We were down and trying to get a quick score and relied on the pass, but it wasn’t happening for us,” 598th receiver and safety Terrence Williams said. “They sent more rushers at us than they usually send. Usually, they rush two but tonight they rushed three. The offensive line wasn’t prepared for it.”

The only score of the game came early in the first half and was set up by MEDDAC running back John Spalding, who broke free for a 55-yard run on the first play of the game, giving MEDDAC a first-and-goal. Two plays later, quarterback Casey Osbey found receiver Christopher Thomas in the corner of the end zone.

Williams said the 598th made some defensive adjustments that allowed it to stay in the game. Thomas, he said, was the priority.

“We put our lockdown corner on him,” Williams said. “He pretty much shadowed him wherever he went. We had our best player on their best player and you could see once we made that change they couldn’t score anymore.”

Moore said he relied on his defense and established a conservative running game to eliminate turnovers. Spalding ran for 127 yards on 10 carries while Osbey had 60 yards of offense and an interception. Moore said Osbey’s leadership allowed MEDDAC to make crucial first downs.

“With the ineffiency of the offensive line around him, (Osbey) still managed the game well,” Moore said. “He made the correct plays in the correct situation.”

The regular season for intramural flag football begins Tuesday. All games will be played at Essebagger Field.