(Tucson, AZ) The Tucson Sugar Skulls were entering their 2024 home opener even at 1-1, facing off against the defending IFL Champion Bay Area Panthers (2-0).
Tucson was coming off of a 56-49 win over the Duke City Gladiators.
The Sugar Skulls came in a lot different due to the release of former Head Coach Hurtis Chinn (and reigning coach of the year) and the trading of Ramone Atkins to the Arizona Rattlers.
With new head coach Billy Back and new Quarterback Mylik Mitchell, the Sugar Skulls were looking to prove that this is a new era for the franchise at home, as last season they were 3-5.
Tucson received the ball in the first half and started within their own five. Running back Mike Jones ripped off a a big run to stretch the drive into Panther territory and Tucson capitalized with a four yard touchdown, but it was called back on a holding call. Tucson settled for a twenty five yard field goal from former Pima Community College Kicker Dimitri Fotinos. The Sugar Skulss were on the scoreboard first 3-0.
Bay Area got their drive started with an offensive pass interference, which did not stop them going for a forty three yard touchdown reception by Receiver Jazeric Peterson from Quarterback Daquan Neal. Panthers went ahead 7-3.
The Sugar Skulls came out more sharp on their next drive, capping off with a twelve yard touchdown to Receiver Jalin Marshall from Mitchell. The Sugar Skulls went back in front 10-7.
Initially, the Panthers’ receivers were open, but were overthrown. On fourth and ten, the Panthers put it together and went down to the Tucson five yard line. Running Back Shane Simpson scored a one yard touchdown run that put the Panthers back up 14-10 to end the first quarter.
The Sugar Skulls started the second quarter marching down the field but was stopped due to two Receiver Mike Carrigan drops and a complete collapse of the offensive line.
The Skulls booted another field goal from midfield, that was called back for holding. Fotino’s next kick in the ball was tipped and Bay Area that ended up at midfield.
With advantageous field position the Panthers decided to grind the possession by running the ball and show pure dominance over the Tucson Defense.
The Sugar Skulls tightened up in the red zone as Cornerback Robert Sheffield knocked pass away.
The Skulls kept the momentum by getting two first downs to Carrigan.
Tucson pulled the reigns back and used the running game to open up the pass. It appeared to be shut down on a pivotal 4th and 1, but a penalty on the Panthers resulted in a first and goal.
The Sugar Skulls called a timeout, but their field goal attempt from twenty six yards out missed to end the half with Bay Area Panthers leading 14-10.
The Panthers received the ball first to start the second half. They decided to run the ball, but Tucson did a good job on stopping it.
The glaring weakness of Tucson’s defense was receivers being wide open. Bay Area ran a draw play from eight yards out that resulted in a touchdown from signal caller Felix Harper. The Panthers went up 21-10.
Tucson went the entire second quarter without a score,
Inside the red zone, Bay Area took advantage of the porous defense and scored on a four yard rush by Harper, to widened the lead 28-10.
Tucson answered with a drive as a result of a long return from Carrigan. Tucson got closer from a seven yard touchdown to Marshall, but were still trailing 28-17.
Bay Area scored right back in one play, a thirty yard touchdown to Receiver JT Stokes that took the score to 35-17 to end the third quarter.
Trailing by eighteen, Tucson threw an interception to corner Tyrone Cromwell that gave the Panthers the ball back.
Bay Area continued to sting the Tucson secondary through the air. The Sugar Skulls defense locked down and forced a thirteen yard field goal Craig Peterson. The lead was extended to 38-17.
The Skulls Carrigan in position, returned the ball to the three yard line, but a penalty placed the ball at the one yard line resulting from Peterson and Carrigan extracurricular activity. Mitchell ran it in from two yards out. A failed extra point attempt made the score 38-23.
Tucson attempted an on side kick but Bay Area recovered at the Skulls six yard line. From there, the Panthers scored on a draw play one yard out by Harper. That made the score 44-23 after a blocked kick on the extra point attempt.
Tucson threw a seventeen yard touchdown to Receiver CJ Tate to cut the Panther lead to 44-31 including a two point conversion run from Mitchell.
Bay Area ran out the clock to end any hopes that Tucson had. The final score 44-31 Panthers.
Whether it be the luck of the draw (or lack of) the Sugar Skulls are now 3-6 in their last 9 home games.
With the defense frequently compromised through the air, the Skulls need to improve in a pass happy league.
One positive aspect, the Tucson defense pitched a shutout in the second quarter.
The offense had its moments but were also shutout in the second quarter. Mitchell to hurry going through his progressions or had to scramble when the blocking broke down.
The Sugar Skulls travel to San Antonio Thursday, April 18th, looking to bounce back to .500.
Article by Matthew Martell Jr. – 520 Sports Talk
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