When Dixie Wooten was hired to be the Tucson Sugar Skulls' head coach and general manager 20 months ago, winning became paramount for the Old Pueblo's IFL franchise.ย
After last season shutting down and the 2021 schedule sliding to the middle of summer, Wooten didn't pick up his first victory as the new leader of the Sugar Skulls until Sunday evening, when Tucson cruised by the Duke City Gladiators, 55-35, in Albuquerque.ย
In Demry Croft's second start at quarterback for Tucson, the IFL rookie accounted for six touchdowns, including five through the air. Croft connected with All-IFL wide receiver Kent Shelby II for two touchdowns on Sunday, bringing Shelby's season total to three scores through the first two games.ย
Defensively, Tucson's Mike Minter, Cory Butler-Byrd and Delondo Boyd each recorded an interception in the first half. Coupled with the Sugar Skulls' offense, Tucson took a commanding 35-6 lead at halftime.ย
Up next: Tucson (1-1) will host Wooten's former team, Iowa Barnstormers, on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. The Sugar Skulls announced earlier this week that home games at Tucson Convention Center will be at 100% capacity. Masks will be required for attendees.ย
