The Tucson Sugar Skulls emerged victorious against their in-state rivals Arizona Rattlers, improving their winning streak to four games with a final score of 35-28 Saturday night at the Tucson Arena.
Tucson (6-6) also earned a win over former majority owner Kevin Guy, who coaches the Rattlers (7-5).
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita and his brother Dash were honorary captains of the Sugar Skulls.
The Sugar Skulls rallied back from a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter.
After Tucson kicker Ben Woodard made a 44-yard field goal, bringing the score to 14-3, the Sugar Skulls recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown. Ja’Rome Johnson completed a 3-yard scoring strike to Jaron Waters and Tucson trailed 14-10 with 1:00 left in the half.
Tucson running back Brandon Mackey scored on a 34-yard run to open the third quarter, giving the Sugar Skulls a 17-14 lead.
Defensive back Aaron Jackson later snagged an interception that resulted in a field goal for the Skulls, increasing Tucson’s lead to 20-14.
The lead changed three times before Ahmad Lyons set up a touchdown with another interception for the Sugar Skulls.
Mackey scored on a 7-yard run with 1:16 left and Woodard later increased the lead with a deuce, bringing the score to 35-28.
Arizona attempted to respond in the final moments of the game, but Aaron Jackson secured an interception that ended the Rattlers’ chances.
Tucson will try to extend its winning streak and go over .500 when it plays the NAZ Wranglers (1-11) in Prescott next Sunday at 1 p.m.
RATTLERS-SUGAR SKULLS SCORING SUMMARY
1st QTR
10:33 — Rattlers 7, Sugar Skulls 0
Arizona Rattlers – Drew Powell rush for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 10:33. (Matthew Cook kick is good).
03:07 — Rattlers 14, Sugar Skulls 0
Arizona Rattlers – Drew Powell pass complete to Ron Brown, Jr. for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 03:07. (Matthew Cook kick is good).
2nd QTR
15:00 — Rattlers 14. Sugar Skulls 3
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Ben Woodard 44 yd field goal.
01:00 — Rattlers 14, Sugar Skulls 10
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Ja’Rome Johnson pass complete to Jaron Waters for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN , clock 01:00. (Ben Woodard kick is good).
3rd QTR
15:00 — Sugar Skulls 17, Rattlers 14
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Brandon Mackey rush for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 15:00. (Ben Woodard kick is good).
09:08 — Sugar Skulls 20, Rattlers 14
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Ben Woodard 22 yd field goal.
01:50 — Rattlers 21, Sugar Skulls 20
Arizona Rattlers – Drew Powell pass complete to Arland Bruce IV for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 01:50. (Matthew Cook kick is good).
13:13 — Sugar Skulls 27, Rattlers 21
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Ja’Rome Johnson pass complete to Brandon Mackey for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 13:13. (Ben Woodard kick is good).
4th QTR
06:59 — Rattlers 28, Sugar Skulls 27
Arizona Rattlers – Drew Powell pass complete to Trey Odoms-Dukes for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 06:59. (Jayden Horace kick is good).
01:16 — Sugar Skulls 33, Rattlers 28
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Brandon Mackey rush for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN, clock 01:16.
01:00 — Sugar Skulls 35, Rattlers 28
Tucson Sugar Skulls – Ben Woodard deuce.
TUCSON OFFENSIVE STATS
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