Gladiators get the win after fourth-quarter comeback

The Duke City Gladiators put up 21 points in the fourth quarter to beat the Tucson Sugar Skulls at home Saturday, defeating Tucson 44-32.

It was a momentum-swinging affair that started with the Gladiators scoring 14 unanswered points in the first quarter.

Gladiators' dual-threat quarterback Hasan Rodgers kicked off the game with a 10-yard dash to the endzone, which was followed up by a 22-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to receiver Tamorrion Terry.

After that, the Sugar Skulls started to catch fire behind running back Devv Sapp-Lynch and outscored the Gladiators 32-9 during the second and third quarters. Sapp-Lynch finished the night scoring three touchdowns and also rushed for 68 yards.

The Sugar Skulls entered the fourth quarter with a 32-23 lead.

However, it was then that the Gladiators really came to life and began to pour on the points, including a couple of scores courtesy of touchdown machine Tamorrion Terry and running back Jamal Williams; the other seven points were thanks to kicker Ernesto Lacayo.

The Gladiators scored 21 points in the final quarter — and allowed zero points — which was enough to earn their second win of the season.

The team's secondary were in command all game and really made things difficult for Sugar Skull’s quarterbacks. The Gladiators defense only allowed eight completions off of 20 attempts, which only amounted to 63 yards.

Rodgers finished the night with two passing touchdowns, 98 rushing yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

Terry had another multiple-touchdown game and has now gone five straight games scoring at least one touchdown. “Scary” Terry finished the night with three catches, 32 yards and two touchdowns.

The Gladiators (2-11) will look to keep the momentum alive against the high-flying Frisco Fighters (11-3) who come to the Events Center July 7.

The Gladitors have three games remaining in the 2024 season.