TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls failed to earn their first-ever playoff win in franchise history on Sunday afternoon in San Jose. They fell to the Panthers by a final score of 46-34.

Tucson finishes the season with a 9-7 record overall. A victory would've secured the Sugar Skulls a home playoff game against the Wranglers, who defeated the number one-seeded Rattlers the night before. Tucson fought back after a slow start, but ultimately it was too little too late as the Panthers sealed the deal with a late score to make it a two-possession game. 

Summary 

The first quarter was brutal for the Skulls, as they failed to score a single point and allowed 22 to the Panthers, falling behind early. 

Tucson then scored on two consecutive possessions (including a missed PAT) to quickly cut the lead to 22-13. Bay Area would then fire back with a Marquis Bridges kickoff return for a touchdown to give the Panthers a 29-13 lead heading into halftime. 

In the second half, QB Dalton Sneed hit Jackson for a quick score to open the third quarter and extend the Bay Area lead to 23 with 13 minutes remaining in the 3rd. 

A furious 21-3 run from Tucson cut the lead to five points at 39-34 with 3:35 left in the final quarter of action. Unfortunately, a Justin Rankin touchdown run would be the icing on the cake for the Panthers as they took their 46-34 lead with just 43 seconds remaining, and it would end with the same score.

Key Performers

Ramone Atkins - 18/31 pass attempts, 93 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 94 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
Carrington Thompson - 8 receptions, 51 rec yards, 3 touchdowns
Tackles leaders - Zachary Blackiston, Rashie Hodge, Jakoby Pappillion (5 each)

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The Sugar Skulls will head into the offseason with a tough loss, but plenty to build off of heading into their 5th season of operation. 

Tucson's all-time record is 31-31 (including playoffs) and 31-28 in the regular season.