TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls won a thriller at the Boneyard on Saturday night, defeating the Duke City Gladiators in the final moments by a score of 42-41.

Thanks to a last-minute blocked extra point attempt that was returned the entire length of the field for two points, the Sugar Skulls were able to avoid another heartbreaking loss. DL Tony Winslow rocketed up the middle for an incredible blocked PAT that was recovered by Jovon White, who stormed the entire distance of the field for two points to secure the wild victory. 

It was a much-needed win to gain ground in the Western Conference standings, as they now sit in sole possession of third place in the standings with a bit of separation between them and the next group of teams below them.

Head Coach Dixie Wooten on Jovon White's miraculous return: "That was huge. That was effort. He was getting grabbed on, tackled and everything. He broke that tackle, hit the sideline and nobody was going to catch him." 

Running back Mike Jones on the win: "The football gods were definitely with us this week." 

Trading Punches

After the first half of action, it was a seesaw battle with the score sitting at 22-21 with Duke City leading Tucson.

Daquan Neal got off to a hot start, tossing for 95 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. The two teams traded punches all night long, but Tucson eventually jumped out to a 40-29 lead.That 11-point cushion quickly dissolved, as the Gladiators made a major push and scored 12 straight points in what looked like it was going to be another late-game blown lead until the magical blocked PAT.

Defensive Progress

The defense played much better overall and allowed the second-lowest points allowed (41) this season despite that late-game 12-point flurry from the Gladiators in the closing moments. 

Linebacker Connor Taylor led the way for the Skulls' defense, providing 6 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The energy from the defense was at another level throughout the night, as they were able to contain a high-scoring Gladiators offense for the most part. 

The turning point came in the 4th quarter when the Sugar Skulls successfully recovered an on-side kick with the 34-29 score with the game stuck in a back and forth battle. 

Neal's World

Sugar Skulls quarterback Daquan Neal continued his impressive start to the season, dominating the game with his arm and legs per usual. He threw for 149 yards and had four passing touchdowns to go with his 57 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. He completed 11-of-16 passes and did not throw an interception. Neal is putting together one of the best individual seasons in the IFL this year. 

Up next? The vaunted 6-0 Arizona Rattlers will come to town to take on the Tucson Sugar Skulls next Saturday at 6:05 pm at the Boneyard. The Sugar Skulls have never defeated the Rattlers in seven total contests since Tucson's inception.