
Sugar Skulls Defeat Panthers
June 12, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release
TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls got back on track with a convincing win over the Bay Area Panthers at the Boneyard after returning from their bye-week.
The 25-point win was their largest margin of victory this season, and they were in control from start to finish as the final score would indicate.
Strong Start
Despite giving up a touchdown to the Panthers on the opening drive, the Sugar Skulls remained composed and answered back early and often. Bay scored on their first two possessions to jump out to a 14-6 lead, followed by a four straight touchdowns from Tucson to take a commanding 34-14 advantage after their 28-0 run.
Mike Jones Cruising
Running back Mike Jones did what running back Mike Jones does best: score. Tucson's star back tallied 5 touchdowns, four on the ground and one reception along with 96 total yards on the evening.
Jones is the IFL leader in touchdowns at 27, with the next closest coming in at 25 from Frisco's Justin Rankin. The longest-tenured Sugar Skulls has proven to be a constant in a dangerous Tucson offensive attack.
Defensive Improvement
The Skulls allowed a season-low 33 points against the Panthers on Saturday night. Before entering the bye week, despite the loss, they allowed just 34 points to the Wranglers which was their previous season-best. The defensive effort and containment is trending in the right direction, which is a welcome sight for Dixie Wooten and company.
Tucson head coach Dixie Wooten said: "We played a great game on defense. Our offense kept scoring every drive, and the special teams played an amazing game too."
Playoff Push
This upcoming game against the Las Vegas Knight Hawks is crucial in the Skulls' playoff hopes. They are currently the number 3 seed in the western conference ahead of the Duke City Gladiators by a half game.
A win over Las Vegas would push them to 7-5 on the season with a full 2.5 game lead over them (Knight Hawks) for a playoff spot. The top four seeds in each conference clinch a playoff spot.
The playoff push is on, Tucson.
Indoor Football League Stories from June 12, 2022
- Sugar Skulls Defeat Panthers - Tucson Sugar Skulls
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- Fighters Net Come-Back Victory over Gladiators - Frisco Fighters
- Northern Arizona Wranglers Punch Playoff Ticket with 37-34 Win over Arizona Rattlers - Northern Arizona Wranglers
- Knight Hawks Soar in 49-23 Win over Strike Force - Vegas Knight Hawks
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- Sugar Skulls' Playoff Hopes End in Loss to First-Place Panthers
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