TUCSON - The Tucson Sugar Skulls are fresh off a bye week after a heartbreaking double-OT loss to the San Diego Strike Force last Saturday, April 22nd in the home opener. 

Despite the tough loss, Tucson still sits atop the Western Conference with a 3-1 record and will look to get back in the win column against a Wranglers opponent that is coming off a road win over Vegas. 

Western Foes

Tucson looks to improve to 4-1 as they host Northern Arizona for their eighth matchup all-time. Northern Arizona currently leads the all-time series 4-to-3. Last season, the Skulls faced the Wranglers four times, including in the 1st round of the playoffs. Tucson defeated them in the first meeting in a 72-62 shootout. The next three contests all went to NAZ, including a tough 1st round playoff defeat in Prescott by a score of 49-30.

Despite their loss to San Diego a couple of weeks ago, Tucson still sits at the top of the Western Conference. They can look to extend that cushion with what would be a crucial win against a conference foe in Northern Arizona.

Defensive Battle

This game will be a defensive battle between two of the top 3 defenses in the IFL thus far. The Wranglers allow a league-best 33.4 points per game, carrying over their defensive grit from the 2022 season. Conversely, Tucson has seen a complete heel turn on that side of the ball this year after struggling to get stops in 2022. The Sugar Skulls rank 3rd in the IFL in points allowed per game at just 36.3. 

Mike Minter leads the team in total tackles with 18 on the season, followed by Trae'varis Ferrell with 16 (5 tackles for loss). Ronald Collins leads the Skulls' defense in sacks with 2 and Rashie Hodge is the interception leader with 2 to go with his 5 pass breakups. 

Offense Clicking 

Tucson's offense has gone through some growing pains early this season as they look to develop chemistry with many first-year receivers and a new offense. They are currently tied for 9th in points per game scoring 41.8 points per contest. Ramone Atkins has been a steady contributor through the first four games and will look to continue to form a dynamic duo with top receiver Carrington Thompson. 

Atkins is averaging 138.8 passing yards per game on a 63% passing completion rate. He has 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions through the season's first four games. Thompson has hauled in a team-high 26 receptions for 321 yards and 9 touchdowns. Running back Mike Jones is second on the team in receptions with 10, and he's the only other Sugar Skull with double-figure catches this season. 

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Tucson Sugar Skulls vs. Northern Arizona Wranglers