Tucson, AZ- The Sugar Skulls were defeated on Saturday night in a narrow 40-41 loss. 

Close But No Cigar

As the dust settled on Western Night at Tucson Arena, the Sugar Skulls found themselves just shy of victory. Despite leading 40-27 with less than seven minutes left, the StrikeForce mounted a comeback, securing the go-ahead touchdown in the final two minutes of the ballgame. Credit to San Diego for their resilience in overcoming a hefty deficit.

Nevertheless, Tucson once again proved their worth. Through the highs and lows of the game, the Skulls can hold their heads high, knowing they fought until the bitter end.

Black and Blue

Tucson's resilience came at a price. Injuries have plagued the Skulls in recent weeks, which was evident once again against San Diego. From kicker Brad Namdar exiting with a dislocated ankle to star playmaker Mike Carrigan battling his own ailments, injuries have been unfortunate for Tucson. Head coach Billy Back hopes for better health as they approach the final games of the 2024 season.

Boneyard Bonanza

The Boneyard was electric in this primetime showdown, with over 2,500 spirited fans supporting the Skulls throughout. Tucson's fans have shown unwavering support this season, despite challenging results on the field.

The crowd's energy fueled both sides of the football, with the Sugar Skulls playing at an elevated level in search of momentum-changing plays.

May I Introduce

Among the fresh faces for the Sugar Skulls, quarterback Kenyatta Allen made a notable impact. Allen's dual-threat skills troubled San Diego's defense all night, showcasing his agility and pocket presence. His performance led Tucson to their highest offensive output (40 points) in nearly two months, tallying 178 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. With four games left, Allen is set to be a key player to watch.

Up Next

Next Saturday, June 29th at 6:05 PM, Tucson heads back on the road to face the Duke City Gladiators.