Tucson, AZ- The Tucson Sugar Skulls are set to face off against the NAZ Wranglers for the second time in just five weeks. They aim to win the game and get back in the win column. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 6:05 pm MST in Tucson, Arizona, at the Tucson Arena.
In-State Rivalry
Getting ready to clash with the Wranglers for the second meeting of three this season, the Sugar Skulls will seek revenge versus their in-state counterparts after falling short in the season opener by a score of 48-54.
For a Tucson squad that has found themselves on a mini two-game losing streak, the hope is that history against Northern Arizona rears its head come Saturday night. Without a doubt, the Skulls are eager to get their revenge on their neighbors to the north. Oddly enough, the Wranglers have had a firm grip over the Skulls throughout the history between the two sides.
At one point, Northern Arizona had defeated Tucson seven consecutive from 2019 to 2021. However, despite falling short of northern Arizona in the season opener, Tucson has won two of the last three meetings. Will the Skulls be able to treat their fans with the first home victory of the 2024 season? Only time will tell.
Letting Your Hair Down
Despite not having their scheduled bye until next week, Tucson was able to kick up their feet and relax their mind during their nine-day mini break in between games. With five players currently listed on IR, the moment to catch their breaths should still be rather healthy by Saturday's showdown. The last time Tucson took the field, they were undermanned and coming off of short rest. Fast-forward nine days later, and the Sugar Skulls should be plenty replenished for what is expected to be an all-out war on the gridiron.
Don't be surprised if starting quarterback and IFL Week Two Offensive Player of the Week in Mylik Mitchell returns to under center for this pivotal matchup against the Wranglers.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
Throughout Tucson's two most recent losses, the Skulls have come out of the starting gates lethargic and sluggish. Instead of playing catch-up all game, Tucson will need to punch northern Arizona in the mouth during the opening stages of the contest.
Likewise, the Wrangler's lone loss this season which came at the hands of the Arizona Rattlers saw NAZ trail at halftime, which has been the only time that has happened thus far. All in all, a lead at the intermission would only boost Tucson's confidence and make them that much more dangerous against a NAZ squad that has already won three of their first four games.
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