IFL Tucson Sugar Skulls

Week 15 Preview

Published on July 31, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tucson Sugar Skulls News Release


TUCSON, AZ - The Tucson Sugar Skulls (3-7) look to extend their home winning streak to three in a row as they host the Northern Arizona Wranglers (1-9) for their second meeting of the season. The game will take place this Saturday, July 31 at 6:05 p.m. MST at the Tucson Convention Center.

The Wranglers took the first game against the Sugar Skulls on a last second score to defeat Tucson 48-44 back on June 26.

This week's game will be streamed on the Sugar Skulls YouTube page (link at bottom of story). It is also 'Decades Night' at the Boneyard. Dress up in your best 70s, 80s and 90s costume for a chance to win a Sugar Skulls hotel package.

Standing Firm with the Player of the Week

Jujaun Harley's performance in Week 15 was good enough to receive the IFL 'Week-15 Defensive Player of the Week' award. Harley amassed 11 total tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery in the win.

The Sugar Skull defense posted one of their best showings of the season last week against the Bismarck Bucks, as they allowed a season-best 27 points and forced two turnovers and several missed field goals.

In team scoring defense, the Sugar Skulls are now sixth in the IFL (40.4 PPG) after several solid defensive performances.

Linebacker Jajuan Harley's DPOW performance against the Bucks increased his team lead in tackles-for-loss (5.5), and he's tied now for the team lead in sacks (2) with Terrence Fullum after only five games.

Harley and defensive back Matt Elam forced the two fumbles, and Elam scored the first defensive TD of the season on his recovery in the first half against the Bucks.

Ground Gains

The rushing attack of the Sugar Skulls has come alive in the last three weeks of the season as 11 of their 14 touchdowns have come on the ground.

Quarterback Cory Murphy flashed an impressive running game in the QBs debut for the Sugar Skulls. Murphy rushed for team-high 79 yards and three TDs in last week's victory.

Running back Mike Jones continues to power the offense forward with his legs as he ranks second in the IFL in rushing TDs (16) and twelfth in rushing yards (251). Jones has only gotten stronger as the season's progressed, and he's rushed for eight of his 16 TDs in the last three games.

Wrapping Up the Wranglers

The Wranglers are coming to Tucson following a close 33-30 loss to the Frisco Fighters on the road. Behind quarterback Verlon Reed Jr., the Wrangler offense has improved their passing game as they rank fourth in the IFL in passing offense (139.8). Yet, Northern Arizona remains at the bottom in the league in scoring offense (32.6).

The rushing defense of the Wranglers has also seen improvement as they place third in the IFL in rushing defense and will face a powerful Sugar Skull rushing attack led by Jones and Murphy. The scoring defense of the Wrangler remains a weak point as they're last in the IFL (51.1) in that category.

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Indoor Football League Stories from July 31, 2021


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