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IFL Tucson Sugar Skulls

Tucson Outlasts Duke City

June 11, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release


The Tucson Sugar Skulls pulled off a massive home win against the Gladiators on Saturday evening in the Boneyard by a final score of 47-43.

Duke City was on the brink of taking the lead as the time expired, as their rush attempt fell just short of the goal line and resulted in a fumble that was recovered by the Skulls in the endzone to secure the win.

It wasn't pretty, and there were several late reviews and close calls that shifted the complexion of the game, but ultimately the Sugar Skulls held on to win by a matter of inches.

Skull Strong

The balanced offensive attack with five receivers tallying at least two catches was a sight for sore eyes, as Ramone Atkins was distributing the ball across the field to all of his targets. Atkins was 17-for-23 passing with 164 yards and four touchdowns. He also chipped in with 24 rushing yards on nine attempts to go with zero interceptions in the contest.

Carrington Thompson led receivers with seven receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Benjamin Jones also chipped in with a pair of rushing touchdowns and 55 yards receiving and rushing combined.

An Atkins-to-Thompson connection with just 16 seconds left in the game ultimately won the game for the Skulls, but it didn't come without drama. Head coach Hurtis Chinn used two extremely close challenges late that were certainly close yet ended up going against Tucson. This ensued to some nerve-wracking moments late in the game for the Skulls, but they were able to fight through and get the job done.

Defensively, Melik Owens was all over the place serving as a disruptive force of nature recording eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick. Defensive back Travion Bryant also tallied seven tackles on the evening.

Sitting Pretty

Tucson created some needed separation between them and Duke City by defeating them, gaining a game on them as they sit at 6-4 while Duke City drops to 4-6. The Skulls are tied with the Arizona Rattlers for the second seed (before Sunday's matchup against Bay Area). Tucson would shift up to the second seed if Arizona lost to the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

The Skulls improve to 6-4 on the season after winning their second straight game and three of their last four as they battle for playoff positioning. They will host the San Diego Strike Force next week in Tucson.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 11, 2023


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