Box Score Glendale, AZ — In one of the most intense rivalry games of the season, the Arizona Rattlers fell to the Tucson Sugar Skulls 50–47 in a triple-overtime battle on Saturday night. Despite building a dominant first-half lead and a powerful performance from Ron Brown Jr., Arizona couldn't hold off Tucson's late surge. The loss marks the third straight defeat for the Rattlers.
Strong Start in the run game
The Rattlers opened strong, taking early control of the game. Running back #29 Ron Brown Jr. was the offensive standout, scoring multiple touchdowns and accounting for the majority of Arizona's points. His consistent production and physical running style gave the Rattlers a 21–9 halftime lead, including a late second-quarter touchdown. Brown's effort continued into the third quarter, adding another touchdown as Arizona surged to a 33–9 advantage, appearing to have the game well in hand.
Chemistry Issues in the Air Attack
However, while the ground game excelled, the passing attack struggled to find its rhythm. #11 Quarterback Dalton Sneed connected on key plays, including a touchdown to #9 WR Corey Reed Jr., but the chemistry between Sneed and wideout #7 Isaiah Huston was clearly off. Miscommunications and mistimed routes stalled several drives, and Huston's second-quarter fumble, though recovered, highlighted the lack of cohesion that plagued the offense at key moments.
Turnovers and Tucson's Comeback
Turnovers proved to be a turning point. The Rattlers offered three interceptions and multiple fumbles, including one on a kickoff return that handed Tucson prime field position. Tucson capitalized, mounting a fierce second-half comeback led by quarterback #11 Jorge Reyna, cutting the lead to 34–27 by the end of the third quarter.
Momentum shifted in the fourth quarter as the Sugar Skulls tied the game at 34, and a Rattlers field goal from Dawson Evitts briefly gave Arizona a 37–34 edge. Tucson answered with a touchdown to take a 40–37 lead with under a minute to play.
With the game on the line, Sneed found Corey Reed Jr. on a sideline route to move into field goal range. Evitts delivered once again, nailing the kick as time expired to tie the game at 40 and send it to overtime.
Triple Overtime Thriller Ends in Tucson's Favor
In overtime, both teams exchanged scores, with Arizona and Tucson trading touchdowns in the second OT period to remain locked at 47–47. But in the third overtime, disaster struck as Sneed threw his third interception of the night. Tucson capitalized, driving just far enough to kick the game-winning field goal.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tough loss, there were bright spots, especially the continued dominance of Ron Brown Jr., who has become one of the team's most reliable offensive weapons. The defense showed grit at times, including key stops by Omari Alexander and Kevin Sims Jr.
As the Rattlers look to snap this three-game losing streak, cleaning up the passing game and protecting the ball will be essential. Next week, The Rattlers head on the road to San Jose, CA to face the Bay Area Panthers.
