Photos: Sugar Skulls take down Massachusetts, IFL
The Sugar Skulls earn themselves a win streak, notching their second victory in a row with a 47-26 defeat of the Pirates, May 10, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
Sugar Skulls defensive lineman Djimon Brooks (44) jars the ball out of the hand of Massachusetts quarterback Kenji Bahar (11) setting off a scramble for the fumble that the Skulls eventually recovered to finish off the Pirates in the last minute of the fourth quarter of their IFL game Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls quarterback Jorge Reyna (11) gets just enough time behind the blocking of offensive lineman Dallas Reins (75) to get off a first down pass against Massachusetts in the fourth quarter of their IFL game in Tucson on May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls linebacker De'Aundre Cruz (24) gestures skyward as he runs onto the field during his introduction before their game against Massachusetts, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls running back Jamyest Williams gets hoisted in the air by offensive lineman Nymonta Doucoure after he plowed his way into the end zone in the second quarter against Massachusetts in Tucson on May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls defensive back Brion Murray (6), left, and defensive lineman Nyles Gaddy (15) harass Massachusetts running back Pooka Williams (7) behind the line helping drop him for a loss in the first quarter of their IFL game, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Massachusetts defensive back Matt Elam (5) gets mobbed after coming down with an interception in the first quarter of their IFL game against the Sugar Skulls, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls defensive back Tariq Bracy (3) gets enough of Massachusetts wide receiver Teo Redding (8) to keep him from making the one-hand catch in the first quarter of their IFL game Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
The protection breaks down and Sugar Skulls quarterback Jorge Reyna (11) gets swarmed for a sack in the second quarter of the game against Massachusetts, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Massachusetts running back Pooka Williams (7) is able to slip the grip of Sugar Skulls defensive back Ahmad Lyons (21) and tack on more yards on his run in the second quarter of their IFL game Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls defensive back Ahmad Lyons (21) wraps up Massachusetts wide receiver Isaac Zico (88) on a kick-off return in the second quarter of their IFL game Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls wide receiver Alphonso Taylor (9) slips by the diving tackle attempt from Massachusetts defensive back Tye Smith (27) in the third quarter of their IFL game Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
A fan welcomes Sugar Skulls running back Jamyest Williams (20) back for the second half of the team’s game against Massachusetts in Tucson on May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls quarterback Jorge Reyna (11) struggles to get out of the end zone and avoid the safety as the pocket collapse on him in the third quarter against Massachusetts, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Massachusetts defensive back Matt Elam (5) trips up Sugar Skulls quarterback Jorge Reyna (11) but not before his keeper earns a first down in the third quarter of their IFL game, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls defensive lineman Jalen Steward (14) drags down Massachusetts running back Pooka Williams (7) in the backfield in the fourth quarter of their IFL game, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls receiver Larry Harrington (1) sidesteps Massachusetts defensive back Matt Elam (5) and tacks on a few more yards after his catch late in the fourth quarter of their IFL game in Tucson on May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls kicker Kevin Macias (18) makes a last ditch grab to slow down Massachusetts wide receiver Isaac Zico (88) on his kick-off return in the fourth quarter of their IFL game, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls wide receiver Drew Dixon (8) makes the catch in the corner despite being in the arms of Massachusetts defensive back Tye Smith (27) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their IFL game, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
A Sugar Skulls fan flips his “dreds” while watching the Skulls roll to a 47-26 win over Massachusetts, Tucson, Ariz., May 10, 2025.
Sugar Skulls head coach Billy Back tosses a ball around while patrolling the team’s pre-game warm ups before the kick-off against Massachusetts on May 10, 2025, in Tucson.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
The Tucson Sugar Skulls took down the Massachusetts Pirates to win consecutive games for the first time in nearly two years.