(TUCSON, AZ) A healthy mix of ground and air from Tucson Sugar Skulls quarterback Jake Medlock and running back Mike Jones was the formula for a 51-31 victory over the San Diego Strike Force Sunday at the Tucson Arena.
Medlock got his first start at quarterback after playing half of two games. He played the entire game and accounted for four touchdowns, two rushing and two passing. Jones added three touchdowns and 84 yards rushing before a crowd of 4,004.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m starting or doing a two-QB system, you have to get ready for every game and prepare like you’re the starter no matter what,” said Medlock who has split time at quarterback with Matt Behrendt.
The Sugar Skulls were back on top 24-17 when they lined up for a Marquez field goal with 47 seconds left in the half. The snap was fumbled, but Marquez scooped it up and ran into the end zone for his first career touchdown at any level and a 31-17 halftime lead.
The teams traded scores again into the fourth quarter, with Medlock scoring twice on runs and throwing a TD pass to Jones. His second touchdown pass, to wide receiver Brandon Sampson, put the game away late.
Medlock finished with 148 yards passing, completing 13 of 22 passes with no interceptions. Sugar Skulls quarterbacks have yet to throw an interception through five games.
Although the Sugar Skulls got their third win in four games, Head Coach Marcus Coleman said his team still has plenty of work to do headed into midseason. “I’m happy we got the win. There are still lots of mistakes that need to be cleaned up to get ready for our next game.”
The Sugar Skulls next travel to Nebraska for an April 6 game against the Danger.
Linebacker Zach Allen, the team’s leading tacker, recorded his 1st interception of the season, getting it with 5:59 left in the first quarter. He also had two tackles for loss and a sack.
Jones has played in three games and has scored at least two touchdowns in each. His eight TDs lead the team.
Defensive back Cam Gaddis got his second interception of the year and now is tied with Dee Maggitt Jr. for the team lead.
The teams traded scores early in the game with Diego Marquez opening up the scoring for the Sugar Skulls on a 45-yard field goal, his first field goal of the season. The Strike Force got on the board on their first possession on a Derrick Bernard 5-yard scramble into the end zone making it 7-3. Jones put the Sugar Skulls back on top with a tough 14-yard run with six minutes left in the first quarter, but the Strike Force had the lead, 14-10, at the end of the period.
The Sugar Skulls were back on top 24-17 when they lined up for a Marquez field goal with 47 seconds left in the half. The snap was fumbled, but Marquez scooped it up and ran into the end zone for his first career touchdown at any level and a 31-17 halftime lead.
The teams traded scores again into the fourth quarter, with Medlock scoring twice on runs and throwing a TD pass to Jones. His second touchdown pass, to wide receiver Brandon Sampson, put the game away late.
Medlock finished with 148 yards passing, completing 13 of 22 passes with no interceptions. Sugar Skulls quarterbacks have yet to throw an interception through five games.
Although the Sugar Skulls got their third win in four games, Head Coach Marcus Coleman said his team still has plenty of work to do headed into midseason. “I’m happy we got the win. There are still lots of mistakes that need to be cleaned up to get ready for our next game.”
The Sugar Skulls next travel to Nebraska for an April 6 game against the Danger.
Courtesy of Tucson Sugar Skulls Media Department.
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