TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls secured a crucial road win against the in-state rival Northern Arizona Wranglers. The 42-28 victory snapped a 4-game losing streak to the Wranglers and improved Tucson's record to 7-5 on the season.
There are just three games remaining for the Skulls and the playoff race is tight out West, so this win was instrumental for positioning. Tucson sits in the 3rd seed, currently 1.5 games ahead of the Wranglers and just one game behind the number 2 seed Panthers after their loss to Frisco on Saturday evening.
Key Performers
- Ramone Atkins - 9/17 passing, 122 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 65 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
- Mike Jones - 34 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards, 1 rushing touchdown
- Maurice Jackson - 8 tackles, 5 solo, 1 tackle for loss
- Melik Owens - 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
1st Half
The teams traded field goals early, as
Michael Hall drilled a 30-yard field goal that was matched in the ensuing Wranglers' drive with a 31-yard boot from Conor Mangan. Northern Arizona took a 17-10 lead early and that would be their lone and final lead of the evening.
The first half featured a pair of ten-point quarters from Tucson as they took a 20-17 lead into the break after each quarter was tightly contested.
Michael Hall drilled a 29-yard field goal as the time expired in the first half to give Tucson a 3-point edge.
2nd Half
Tucson was locked in defensively in the 2nd half, only allowing 11 points in 30 minutes of action.
Maurice Jackson and
Melik Owens were providing pressure on the front line, making life difficult for the Wranglers' offense.
The teams traded punches and were deadlocked at 28 before Tucson scored a pair of touchdowns to close out on a 14-0 run to secure their 42-28 victory in Prescott Valley. A
Carrington Thompson touchdown to extend the lead to 7 followed by a
Julian Marcantel pick-six to put the icing on the cake sealed the deal for the Tucson victory.
Ramone Atkins finished with 4 total touchdowns and 187 total yards in the win.
Up next?
Tucson hosts the Vegas Knight Hawks on Saturday, July 1st in the Boneyard. Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm.
