TUCSON - The Sugar Skulls will face the Duke City Gladiators on Saturday, April 6th at 5:05 PM in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as they aim to clinch their first win of the 2024 season.
Back in the Saddle
In a back-and-forth battle last weekend against the Northern Arizona Wranglers, it was the Sugar Skulls that came one play away from starting the season with a victory. Instead, Tucson's last-second heave into the endzone fell harmlessly to the turf as the Skulls could not escape the wretched claws of defeat. Losing back-to-back games only once during the 2023 regular season, head coach Billy Back will have the troops ready to play for yet another business trip in ABQ.
The Sky's the Limit
Despite the gut punch of a loss, there is no doubt that this Skulls squad is stacked with intriguing potential. For starters, the dynamic connection between QB Mylik Mitchell and WR Mike Carrigan will keep Skulls fans up at night like a child on Christmas Eve. Against the Wranglers, the duo connected four times for 58 yards, showcasing the two's lethal chemistry. Even when the play breaks down and a backyard football style of play ensues, Tucson's coaching staff should be able to count on them making plays in crunch time.
Of course, running back Mike Jones has become a fan favorite over the years since the team's inception back in 2019. A bruising back that packs a punch when running between the tackles, expect Jones to receive a healthy dosage of work early on to establish a respectable running game.
On the defensive side, it is expected that the Tucson Skulls will tighten up their game against the Duke City offense. The Duke City offense is a formidable one and should not be underestimated. The Skulls gave up a total of 212 passing yards to the Northern Arizona Wranglers in their previous game and they are determined to improve in this aspect of their game. It is crucial for Tucson's top defenders to put a stop to Duke City's wide receivers to ensure a successful outcome.
One-Sided Affair
Over the years, the Skulls have managed to find great success in their meetings with the Gladiators. Tucson has managed to win three of their last four matchups against Duke City including a 59-51 victory in Albuquerque a year ago. On paper, it is the Skulls' offense that is no stranger to finding the endzone as they have averaged 51 points in eight meetings versus their foes from the east. Tucson will seek their third-straight win over Duke City for the first time since 2021.
Looking Ahead
After two straight road games to open up the 2024 season, the Sugar Skulls will make their long-awaited home opener on Saturday, April 14th at Tucson Arena with kickoff slated for 3:05 PM against the Bay Area Panthers (1-0).
LIVE STREAM
Catch all the action of the game by streaming it live on YouTube.
