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IFL Tucson Sugar Skulls

Sugar skills Win Home Opener

March 10, 2019 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release


The Sugar Skulls made it two wins in two tries for the new franchise with a 62-42 victory over the Bismarck Bucks in the home opener at Tucson Arena.

Quarterback Matt Behrendt, started for the second time, and led the Sugar Skulls with an impressive aerial assault, lighting up the Bucks defense for 216 yards of total offense.

"Being a quarterback for most of my life - my whole life - that definitely helped me learn to be calm and confident cause you need to be that guy that keeps everyone settled down and control the offense" said Behrendt following the win.

The Bucks actually took the first of the game by scoring one point on a rouge, which is scored when the receiving team does not return the kickoff out of the end zone.

The Sugar Skulls the put up two consecutive touchdowns and then three more in the second quarter on the way 35-7 halftime lead.

Behrendt was an efficient 10 for 12 in the first half. Wide receiver Brandon Sampson was a favorite target with five catches in the first half for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns before intermission. Linebacker Zach Allen led the stingy defense which held the Bucks to 210 total yards. He led the Sugar Skulls in tackles for the second game in a row with 12 total. The Sugar Skulls held its Week 1 opponent, the San Diego Strike Force, to 191 yards. Defensive back Micah Eugene Jr., playing kin his first game of the season, had seven total tackles including four solo. Running back Shad Thornton, who did not dress for last week's game, had 113 yards of total offense, rushing for 82 yards and one touchdown. He also caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown.

The Sugar Skulls went on to score 27 more points in the second half, coming three points short of last week's 65 -point total.

This victory sets up a matchup of unbeaten teams next week in the budding in state rivalry against the Arizona Rattlers. Both teams will enter the game 2-0.

- The Sugar Skulls are averaging 63.5 total points per game on offense.

- Cornerback Cam Gaddis, from Santa Rita High School and Pima Community College in Tucson, snagged his first interception of the year on a tip in the end zone.

- Wide Receiver Shaq Curenton had another multi touchdown game, with two receiving touchdowns after catching three last week. He has 136 yards on the season.

- Wide Receiver Brandon Sampson led the team in receptions with seven after tying for the team lead with four last week.

- The Sugar Skulls passing attack put up 234 passing yards to Bucks 130 yards.

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