TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls will host the Arizona Rattlers in the IFL on I-10 tussle at the Boneyard on Saturday night at 6:05 pm (MT).
The Sugar Skulls and Rattlers are the two highest-scoring offenses in the IFL. Tucson is averaging 52.3 points per game, while Arizona is the only IFL team that averages more at 53.8 per game.
Never Say Never
The Tucson Sugar Skulls have never defeated the Arizona Rattlers since their inception in 2019. The Rattlers lead the all-time series 7-0 heading into this meeting. Arizona's average margin of victory against the Sugar Skulls is 16.8 points, and the Rattlers have only allowed a final within one possession once against Tucson once, which came on June 8, 2019, when Arizona won 50-49.
The Key Matchup
The Skulls' productive wide receiver group battling against an elite Rattlers' backfield will be one of the most interesting matchups of this game outside of the QB duel. Arthur Jackson, Quinton Pedroza, Carrington Thompson and former Rattler Raheem Harvey will be tested early and often. Arizona's defensive back group is led by Davontae Merriweather, Kyree Woods, Dillion Winfrey, and Brandon Ezell, and they've been a major reason why Arizona's defense sits atop the IFL.
If Tucson wants to keep their high octane offense rolling, Neal will need to get in a rhythm early and often against the league's best defense.
QB Duel
This will surprisingly be the first time quarterbacks Daquan Neal and Drew Powell face each other head-to-head, and this will be Neal's first matchup against Arizona in his career.
Arizona Rattlers quarterback and 2021 IFL MVP Drew Powell ranks first in the IFL in touchdown passes in 2022 with 23, while Tucson quarterback Daquan Neal is right behind him in second place with 21. Neal and Powell rank in the top 2 in the IFL in just about every passing category.
Tucson's defense will need to step up to slow down the Rattlers' high octane offense. The Skulls are allowing a league-worst 54.0 points per game and facing the highest-scoring offense in the league, which isn't an ideal combination.
Sugar Skulls to celebrate Mother's Day with $15 tickets & giveaway
The in-state rivalry will have plenty of action both on and off the field, including a special Mother's Day ticket promotion. All tickets will only be $15 to honor all of the mothers and families in the Tucson community.
The first 1,000 fans will also be receiving a set of Sugar Skulls pom poms as a part of our family-friendly Mother's Day promotion. Immediately following the game, the team is set to bring back post-game autographs directly on the field with the Sugar Skulls players and Sugar Dolls dance team. There will be a limited amount of autograph cards for fans but merchandise will also be available for sale from the Team Shop for autograph opportunities.
