Tucson Sugar Skulls media relations provided the following information.
The Tucson Sugar Skulls return home to the Boneyard for the final time this season Saturday for a crucial Western Conference clash against the first-place Bay Area Panthers.
The Sugar Skulls’ playoff hopes will be on the line in the 6:05 p.m. game at the Tucson Arena.
Although Tucson is 5-8 in the Western Conference, 6-8 overall, the postseason is still within reach. The Sugar Skulls need to beat Bay Area on Saturday and win at Vegas next week, while the Night Hawks need to lose Saturday at home against Northern Arizona.
Last week, Tucson went toe-to-toe with the Northern Arizona Wranglers in a high-scoring thriller, ultimately falling, 61-55, in Flagstaff. Despite the loss, the Sugar Skulls’ offense showed no signs of slowing down, putting up over 50 points for the sixth time this season and nearly erasing a two-touchdown deficit late in the game.
Quarterback Jorge Reyna accounted for six total touchdowns, five through the air and one on the ground. Sabino graduate and former Arizona player Drew Dixon had a breakout performance, catching four touchdown passes, including a highlight-reel 43-yard bomb in the fourth quarter that kept Tucson’s comeback hopes alive.
Devonte Sapp–Lynch added two more scores of his own, one rushing and one receiving, while Spencer Tears and Tariq Bracy came up with key receptions to move the chains. Defensively, Ahmad Lyons, Brion Murray and Tre Henry stepped up to deliver big stops, but a handful of explosive plays and late penalties kept Tucson from closing the gap in the final seconds.
Bay Area comes to town with playoff aspirations of its own, making Saturday night’s matchup one with major postseason implications. Known for their aggressive defensive front and quick-strike offense, the Panthers will be looking to spoil Tucson’s homecoming, but the Sugar Skulls are ready to defend their turf.
The key for Tucson will be controlling the tempo early and relying on their proven offensive weapons. With Reyna in rhythm, Dixon heating up, and the ground game rolling behind Sapp-Lynch, the Sugar Skulls have the firepower to light up the scoreboard again.
On the other side of the ball, Tucson’s defense will need to tighten up in the red zone and eliminate explosive plays, forcing Bay Area to earn every yard. With home-field energy and playoff urgency, this game has all the makings of a classic Boneyard battle.
With the season on the line, the Sugar Skulls are ready to rally. Fueled by heart, grit, and one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, Tucson is aiming to make a statement under the lights at home.
The Sugar Skulls are partnering with TUSD for a Back-to-School Drive to collect new backpacks for local students. Every fan who donates a new backpack will receive access to purchase two All-American tickets for just $10 for Saturday’s game. It’s also Fan Appreciation Night, and the first 1,000 kids 14 and under will receive a Sugar Skulls hat from Pima Pain Center.
For the next three years, Tucson will host the Indoor Football League National Championship game at Tucson Arena. Please mark your calendars for the game on Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket information for Saturday’s Sugar Skulls game can be accessed by clicking here.
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