The Tucson Sugar Skulls' comeback bid against in-state rival Arizona Rattlers fell short 38-32 on Saturday, marking the ninth loss to their Phoenix counterpart since 2019.
Tucson's setback to Arizona is the fourth straight loss for the Sugar Skulls. Tucson is 1-5 on the season, with its only victory against winless and last-place Duke City Gladiators.
Sugar Skulls star quarterback Mylik Mitchell, who missed the last two games with an injury, returned to the starting lineup and accounted for four touchdowns and completed 8 of 14 passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Mitchell's top target was wide receiver Brian Smith, who caught three passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns.
Tucson led 9-7 in the second quarterback following a 12-yard run by Mitchell, but the Rattlers took a 17-12 lead at halftime, then opened the second half with a24-12 lead following a 33-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Kettle to Glen Gibbons. Smith's final touchdown of the night brought Tucson back to within a possession, but the Rattlers recovered the ensuing onside kick. Former Arizona Wildcat and Sugar Skulls defensive back Rashie Hodge had three tackles for the Rattlers.
Up next: Tucson (1-5) hosts the Vegas Knight Hawks (7-0), the only undefeated team in the IFL, on Saturday at Tucson Arena at 6:05 p.m. The game will also be streamed on the IFL YouTube channel.
