Edgren quarterback Haruki Jones is hit by Zama's Toro McClendon as he throws. (Courtesy of Zama football)

CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Defense ruled the homecoming game. And that, plus a lengthy touchdown run by Chris Jones, left Zama all alone atop the Division II football standings.

Zama’s defense forced four turnovers in a 7-0 shutout of Robert D. Edgren on Friday at Barry Huitema Memorial Field.

“What a game. Playoff-like environment, 100 percent,” said coach Scott Bolin of the Trojans (4-2 overall, 4-1 D-II), who swept the season series from the Eagles (3-2, 3-2) to earn the top seed in the division.

“Our defensive players stepped up to the challenge,” Bolin said. Isaiah Segarra had two interceptions, Thomas Diaz one and Giovanni Joell recovered a fumble.

“It was a bruiser, a battle royal,” Eagles coach Brian Johnson said. “Two heavyweights slugging it out to the 15th round. We got our yards, but they (Trojans defense) were in the right spot at the right times.”

The defensive battle went into halftime scoreless. On Zama’s first possession of the third quarter, Jones took a handoff and broke away for a 55-yard touchdown scamper.

Chris Jones had the game's only touchdown, a 55-yard third-quarter run. (Kaisei Muta/Special to Stripes)

Edgren running back P.J. Lorenzo tries to outrun Zama's defense. (Zama football)

Zama running back Isaiah Segarra looks to avoid Edgren's Toby Davidson. (Zama football)

Zama’s Ayden Moore tries to plow through Edgren defenders Micah Magat, right, and Liam McDonald. (Zama football)

Edgren went into Zama territory repeatedly in the second half, only to have the Trojans come away with a timely takeaway.

“That’s the way it goes,” Johnson said. “We were moving the ball really well in the fourth quarter. Just turnovers.”

Parker Kuns took over for injured starter Haruki Jones at quarterback for the Eagles and went 5-for-9 for 75 yards, but was intercepted three times.

It was the second time the Trojans beat the Eagles this season, including a 17-2 win at Edgren on Aug. 23 in the season opener for both teams.

Zama will host fourth-place Yokota (2-3, 1-3) and third-place Matthew C. Perry (4-2, 3-1) travels to Edgren for next Friday’s semifinal games.

“I’m going to tell him (Bolin) to keep the lights on, because we’ll be back in two weeks,” Johnson said.

“I love it,” Bolin said. “Johnson is doing a great job with that program. They’re on the rise. That’ll be great.”