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IFL Tucson Sugar Skulls

Preview: Sugar Skulls Open Season on Road Against San Diego Strike Force

April 2, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release


TUCSON - The Tuscon Sugar Skulls are set to open their 2023 season in San Diego against the Strike Force. Last season they finished with a 9-8 record finishing 3rd in the Western Conference. Their season ended in the first round of the playoffs with a 30-49 loss in Prescott Valley against the Wranglers. It was Tucson's second playoff appearance in 3 seasons of action.

With head coach Hurtis Chinn at the helm, several key returning players, and a new All-IFL rookie quarterback in Ramone Atkins, the Sugar Skulls are ready to make a statement in their 4th season in the IFL. Sugar Skulls at Strike Force will take place on Monday, April 3, at 6:05 pm at Pechanga Arena.

Key Returning Skulls

RB Mike Jones - All IFL Second Team

It was not a struggle for Mike Jones to find his way to the end zone throughout the 2022 season. With 37 rushing touchdowns and 38 total touchdowns he led the IFL in both of those categories. This combined with his 718 rushing yards earned him and All-IFL Second Team Honor.

RB Benjamin Jones - All IFL First Team

Last season, Benjamin Jones was honored on the All-IFL First Team as a kick returner. Jones ranked second in the IFL in both kick return yards (1120) as well as kick return touchdowns (3).

OL Isame Faciane - All IFL Second Team

Isame Faciane is back after yet another productive season with the Tuscon Sugar Skulls up front, earning him an All-IFL second-team selection.

WR Carrington Thompson

Carrington Thompson is returning to the Sugar Skulls for his second season with the team. Last season he ranked second on the team for receiving yards with 547, and led the team with 15 receiving touchdowns.

Defensive Line Returning Duo

Ronald Collins is returning to Tuscon after a fantastic season in 2022. During this season he led the team in Total Tackles (41), as well as tied for Sacks leader with five for a team-high 31 yards loss.

Maurice Jackson is back with the Sugar Skulls for the 2023 season. During his previous season with the Sugar Skulls he led the team in Tackles for Loss (12.5 for 42 yards) as well as tied for a team high in sacks.

Ready for Ramone

Ramone Atkins is joining the Sugar Skulls after his rookie season with Duke City. In the 2022 season, he ranked third in the IFL for completions (190), and passing touchdowns (50), as well as fourth in passing yards (2169). These eye-popping stats earned him the 2022 IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He led Duke City to the playoffs after Gladiators' quarterback Nate Davis tore his ACL in the season-opener.

Strike Out

The meeting between the Sugar Skulls and the Strike Force will be the 8th meeting between the teams since the Sugar Skulls joined the IFL in 2019. Tucson has held firm control over the matchup, leading 6-1 with their lone loss coming by one point last season in a 67-66 defeat.

Tucson will look to start the 2023 season strong with a win after having a bye week to open the season.

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