Box Score SAN DIEGO - The Tucson Sugar Skulls got off to a strong start in their season-opener on the road in San Diego at Pechanga Arena. 

Tucson has won 3 of 4 season openers dating back to the 2019 season, and this is the second straight season they've won on the road to open the season after defeating Vegas last season to start the year.

Ramone Atkins had a productive Tucson debut, going 15/24 on pass attempts with 3 total touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing). He also rushed for 17 yards on 5 attempts.

The Skulls got off to a hot start led off by the longest-tenured Sugar Skull Mike Jones opening the scoring with a 1-yard rush to jump ahead 7-0. They then got a turnover followed by a score from Darian Patterson off a Ramone Atkins toss to jump out to a 14-0 lead early.

Tucson's defense was impactful throughout this game, forcing multiple turnovers and getting stops to shift momentum early on. Rashie Hodge had one of Tucson's two interceptions.

After a dominant first half, the Skulls struggled offensively in the third quarter as they failed to score a single point in the quarter. Despite the scoring drought, the defense kept the Strike Force at bay and were able to hold them off following a much-needed rushing touchdown from Ramone Atkins with 5:30 remaining in the 4th quarter giving Tucson a 35-16 lead that they would never relinquish. 

Top Performers

Mike Jones - 17 rushes for 57 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
Darian Patterson - 5 receptions for 57 yards, 1 touchdown
Carrington Thompson - 5 receptions for 52 yards, 1 touchdown
Mike Minter - 11 tackles (8 solo, 3 assisted), 1 pass breakup
Trae'varis Ferrell - 9 tackles, (4 for loss), 1 sack, 1 pass breakup
Rashie Hodge and JJ Dallas each had one interception. 

Up Next?

Tucson travels down the I-10 to take on their in-state rival Arizona Rattlers as the Rattlers will host the Skulls in their home opener. 

The game will take place at 6:05 pm at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.