Control
Despite injuries in the rotation, the Tucson Sugar Skulls relied on a powerful rushing attack and a crucial defensive stop to defeat the New Mexico Chupacabras 33-26.
The Tucson Sugar Skulls hosted a matchup against the New Mexico Chupacabras on Sunday, April 19, marking their third home game of the season. With no victories yet at home, the Sugar Skulls came out determined to establish their running game.
Brandon Mackey, running back for the Sugar Skulls, started the game with 24 yards on three carries before leaving with an injury.
Thomas Steps Up After Mackey’s Injury
What seemed like a blow for the Sugar Skulls ended up serving as motivation, as their momentum did not slow down.
Tavion Thomas, power back for the Sugar Skulls, picked up right where Mackey left off, delivering an 84-yard performance on 11 carries, along with a game-sealing touchdown.
Rayshaun Kizer, Sugar Skulls head coach, spoke on Thomas’ performance.
“He’s hard to bring down,” Coach Kizer said. “We put a lot of emphasis on the run game this week to take some pressure off our quarterback.”
Defense Secures the Victory
The running game was not the only deciding factor in the Sugar Skulls’ victory.
A defensive stop on a deep lob pass ultimately kept Tucson in the lead with only a few seconds remaining on the clock.
D’Jimon Brooks, defensive linebacker for the Sugar Skulls, spoke about the defensive game plan to end the game.
“During practice we emphasize a lot on situation drills where the offense has to score and the defense has to get a stop,” Brooks said. “When it comes up in a game it becomes second nature.”
First Home Victory of the Season
The Sugar Skulls came away with a 33-26 victory against the New Mexico Chupacabras, securing their first home win of the season in Tucson.