IFL Tucson Sugar Skulls

Gunslingers Find First-Ever IFL Victory, Defeating the Sugar Skulls 60-36

Published on April 19, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release


Tucson, AZ - The Tucson Sugar Skulls were defeated by the San Antonio Gunslingers in a short-handed matchup, resulting in a 60-36 defeat.

From the opening kickoff, San Antonio seized control of the game, swiftly finding their way to the endzone and securing an early lead. Their initial touchdown, coupled with a successful conversion, put Tucson on their heels almost immediately. Before the Skulls even had time to catch their breath, they found themselves trailing 16-0 by the end of the first quarter. Once again, the slow start from Tucson proved to be too much to overcome in front of the raucous San Antonio crowd.

The Skulls team had short preparation time this week, which potentially had an impact on their performance in this game. As a result, Mylik Mitchell, a key player on the team, did not start the game. The absence of Mitchell made it difficult for the Skulls to maintain their usual level of play and could have contributed to their subpar performance.

Backup quarterback Torrance Gibson stepped into the quarterback role, striving to maintain the momentum established by Mitchell's formidable ball-carrying abilities.

Just when it was beginning to look like Tucson was going to get run out of the arena, the Skulls fought back with a type of resilience that made head coach Billy Back proud. After Torrance Gibson connected with Mike Jones for their first touchdown of the game, momentum had swung in the Sugar Skulls' favor. However, this was short-lived as San Antonio answered the bell quickly, extending their lead to 30-8 with a minute left in the half. Despite another touchdown by Mike Jones and a valiant effort from the Skulls' defense, the Gunslingers held a commanding lead at halftime.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, the Skulls continued to battle. Gibson, a former five-star recruit from Ohio State, showcased his dual-threat capabilities by maneuvering through the defense for a rushing touchdown. In addition, he converted a successful two-point conversion to cap off the drive, keeping Tucson in striking distance. Gibson was intercepted on a pass intended for wideout Mike Carrigan with three minutes remaining in regulation, which ended up being the nail in the coffin.

Despite their defensive efforts, the Skulls struggled to contain the Gunslingers' offensive onslaught. Tucson was not up to the challenge, as San Antonio had their way with the football in their possession. Whether through the air or on the ground, the Gunslingers were prone to finding the end zone at all times. Although San Antonio entered the contest having yet to win a game at 0-3, their offensive efficiency has not been the issue for their early season woes.

Without a serious push up front by the defensive line to get pressure on the quarterback, and allowing too much separation by the secondary, Tucson was doomed defensively from the start. In the final quarter of play, the Sugar Skulls continued their relentless pursuit of a comeback.

The Tucson Sugar Skulls will look to bounce back as they prepare for their next matchup against the Northern Arizona Wranglers, on April 27. Back home in Tucson, the Sugar Skulls look to turn the tide in their favor in Week Seven.

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Indoor Football League Stories from April 19, 2024


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