Trainor throws two touchdown passes, Lusain adds 80-yard punt return in 24-6 win
LAS VEGAS, NV – The San Diego Rebellion traveled to the desert and returned with a 24-6 victory over the Las Vegas Silver Stars (0-3), starting the season 3-0 for the third straight year.
The Rebellion needed less than six minutes to find the end zone – and they did it without their offense even taking the field.
After the Silver Stars opened the game with a three-and-out, Brittani Lusain fielded a punt at her own 20-yard line, found a seam, and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, strong-arming defenders in the process. Jocelyn Charette's extra point made it 7-0 with 9:18 remaining in the first quarter.
Las Vegas punted again on their next possession, giving San Diego the ball at their own 25-yard line. This time, the offense joined the party.
Daniella Trainor connected with Taranisha Taylor for an eight-yard touchdown pass with 47 seconds left in the first quarter, capping a quick drive and pushing the lead to 14.
The Rebellion added to their lead early in the second quarter.
Trainor launched a 45-yard strike to Alicia Zappia-Neeley, who hauled it in for a touchdown. The extra point made it 21-0 with 1:51 remaining before halftime.
Las Vegas showed some fight in the second half.
Midway through the third quarter, Silver Stars quarterback Thaycha Rodriguez connected with Isabel Warren on a 21-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 21-6 with 8:07 remaining in the third.
Later in the quarter, San Diego's offense then marched down the field to set up a 44-yard field goal from Charette. The kick split the uprights with 2:37 left in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 24-6.
The Rebellion will have a bye next week before returning home to host the Golden State Storm on Saturday, April 25th.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Q (9:18) – SD: Brittani Lusain 80-yard punt return TD (XP Good) – 7-0 SD
1st Q (0:47) – SD: Daniella Trainor 8-yard TD pass to Taranisha Taylor (XP Good) – 14-0 SD
2nd Q (1:51) – SD: Trainor 45-yard TD pass to Alicia Zappia-Neeley (XP Good) – 21-0 SD
3rd Q (8:07) – LV: Thaycha Rodriguez 21-yard TD pass to Isabel Warren (2pt No Good) – 21-6 SD
3rd Q (2:37) – SD: Jocelyn Charette 44-yard FG – 24-6 SD
Strike Force Holds Off Tucson in Back-and-Forth Thriller
Tucson, AZ – In a game that featured seven lead changes and wild swings of momentum, the San Diego Strike Force (2-1) held off the Tucson Sugar Skulls (1-2), 48–42, in front of a raucous crowd at the Tucson Arena.
The matchup was a tale of two halves: San Diego dominated the second quarter to build a 34–14 halftime lead, but Tucson stormed back in the third quarter to take a 35–34 advantage before the Strike Force regrouped just in time to escape with the win.
San Diego quarterback Nate Davis was sharp early, connecting with Edward Vander for a 9-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive. Tucson answered with a 3-yard rush from Tavion Thomas, but Davis found Dallas Daniels twice in the second quarter—first from 4 yards out, then on a 30-yard strike—to push the lead to 20–7.
After Brandon Mackey punched in a 7-yard touchdown run for Tucson to make it 20–14, Davis responded again, hitting Shane Hooks for a 4-yard score with 49 seconds left in the half. The two-point conversion made it 28–14.
Then came the dagger before intermission: Tucson quarterback Draylen Ellis was sacked by Adam Anderson, forcing a fumble recovered by San Diego’s Herman Smith (Lincoln), who rumbled 6 yards for a defensive touchdown. A failed two-point try left the score 34–14 at the break.
Tucson opened the second half with a rouge (single point) on the kickoff, then erupted for three straight touchdowns. Mackey broke loose for a 29-yard rushing score, Thomas added a 5-yard run, and Ellis hit Jalen Sample for a 17-yard touchdown pass. Though the two-point conversion failed, Tucson had stormed all the way back to take a 35–34 lead late in the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Tucson extended its lead. Draylen Ellis connected with Jaivian Lofton for a 19-yard touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion made it 42–35 in favor of the Sugar Skulls.
San Diego answered immediately. Edward Vander rushed for a 12-yard touchdown, and after offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, the extra point was good, tying the game at 42–42.
With just over a minute remaining, San Diego mounted a 4-play, 28-yard drive that ended with a go-ahead touchdown. The extra point failed but the Strike Force defense held on Tucson’s final possession to secure the 48–42 victory.
Key Performances
Nate Davis (SD) – 18-of-34, 176 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs
Edward Vander (SD) – 9 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD; 9 rushes, 35 yards, 1 TD
Dallas Daniels (SD) – 3 catches, 50 yards, 2 TDs
William Barber (SD) – 7 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 tackle for loss
Brandon Mackey (TUC) – 6 rushes, 50 yards, 2 TDs
Draylen Ellis (TUC) – 5-of-21, 66 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
By the Numbers
Total offense: San Diego 224, Tucson 153
Third downs: San Diego 7-of-9 (78%), Tucson 1-of-5 (20%)
Time of possession: San Diego 38:57, Tucson 13:44
Turnovers: San Diego 2, Tucson 2
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