Last-Second Field Goal by Ex-Sugar Skull Sinks Tucson in Heart Breaker
Published on June 19, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release
TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls battled through four tough quarters against the Massachusetts Pirates at home in a 37-34 loss. The game ended on a walk-off, 48-yard field goal by former Sugar Skull kicker Josh Gable.
The Sugar Skulls will travel to Prescott Valley next week to take on the Northern Arizona Wranglers in their first ever IFL meeting on Saturday, June 26 at 5:05 p.m. MST.
Balentine Makes History
Wide Receiver Ryan Balentine recorded a touchdown and 46 receiving yards to become the IFL's all-time leader in receiving yards.
Quarterback Demry Croft took on the top-ranked total defense in the IFL and racked up two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, including the game-tying touchdown with under a minute to play. Running back Mike Jones added two total touchdowns to his season total with a couple of big runs on the ground.
Game of Inches
The Sugar Skulls defense made several key stops throughout the game, forcing the Pirates to attempt five field goals for only three makes, including the game-winner. Defensive backs Matt Elam and Mike Minter both had their hands on acrobatic and near-game-changing interceptions throughout the game, all falling for incompletions.
Defensive lineman Terrence Fullum added the second Sugar Skull sack of the season on a miscue by the Pirates as the stalwart defense of the Sugar Skulls held their opponent to under 40 points. Multiple defensive linemen, including Isame Faciane and Shakore Philip, doubled as offensive lineman in the second half as well.
Game Flow
In a low-scoring first half, the Tucson Sugar Skulls held a tight 14-13 lead with strong defensive possessions by both teams. Balentine caught his third touchdown of the season on a 15-yard strike from Croft as Jones rushed for his seventh rushing touchdown of the season.
The Sugar Skulls' offense turned up in the second half with two touchdown drives in the third quarter, which were matched by the Pirates, leaving them tied entering the fourth quarter. The Pirates opened the final frame with a successful onside kick attempt by former Sugar Skulls kicker Josh Gable, allowing the Pirates to hold a seven-point lead. With the Sugar Skulls on Massachusetts' goal line on the next possession, Croft fumbled, giving the ball back to the Pirates. The Sugar Skulls defense then made a strong stop to allow their quarterback to lead a game-tying drive. In a tie game with three seconds on the board, Gable hit his third field goal of the day against his former team to give his team the win on a 48-yard attempt.
New In-State Rivalry
The Sugar Skulls will travel to up the I-17 to take on the Northern Arizona Wranglers for the first time in program history. The 0-5 Wranglers are coming off a tough loss against the Spokane Shock on the road as they look to rebound against their in-state foe.
Indoor Football League Stories from June 19, 2021
- Last-Second Field Goal by Ex-Sugar Skull Sinks Tucson in Heart Breaker - Tucson Sugar Skulls
- Dominant Second Half Rolls Rattlers to 15-Point Win in Duke City - Arizona Rattlers
- Barnstormers Remain 2-0 against the Sioux Falls Storm - Iowa Barnstormers
- Week 9 Preview - Tucson Sugar Skulls
- Week 9 Preview - Northern Arizona Wranglers
- Week 9 Preview - Iowa Barnstormers
- Week 9 Preview - Arizona Rattlers
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