Box Score TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls dropped a heartbreaker in their home opener at the Boneyard. The San Diego Strike Force completed a fourth quarter rally to storm from behind 17 points with 11:18 remaining in the game.
Tucson falls to 1-2 on the season ahead of their next contest on the road in Duke City on Saturday.
Most points in Sugar Skulls history
Saturday night's 66 points marks the franchise-record for points scored in a game by the Sugar Skulls. They had scored 65 twice before, but Saturday night's performance marks an all-time high. The 67 points allowed were the second-most they've allowed in franchise history.
It was a high-scoring affair throughout, and especially in the first quarter of action where the teams combined for 36 points, as Tucson led it 20-16 after the first quarter.
Daquan Neal was efficient, going 10-for-12 on his pass attempts with three touchdowns and 150 passing yards. He threw one interception at a key stage in the game, but outside of that blemish was nearly perfect as he led the Tucson attack for 66 points.
Jones & Jones Dominance
Mike Jones had himself a night, scoring five rushing touchdowns while running for 86 total yards, including a 33-yard score. Jones averaged 7.2 yards per-carry and continued to display why he's one of the most dominant talents in the IFL.
Benjamin Jones meanwhile had himself quite the evening returning kickoffs. In eight returns, he totaled 215 yards which is good for 26.8 yards per return, including an electric 50-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the 4th quarter.
Late Game Defensive Woes
As previously mentioned, the defense allowed the second-most points in franchise history at 67. They had the game under control early in the 4th quarter, but ended up allowing 30 points in the final 13:30 minutes of action. There was a safety against Tucson in the 4th quarter along with four missed extra point opportunities (including one blocked kick) that ultimately came back to bite the Sugar Skulls.
Tucson will look to get back on track after dropping their last two games as they travel to New Mexico to take on the Duke City Gladiators in a Western Conference showdown.
