Tucson Sugar Skulls Aim for Championship in New Era

New team president Edmund Marquez and coach Rayshaun Kizer look to revamp the franchise ahead of season opener against defending champions

Mar. 25, 2026 at 1:36am

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After a tumultuous offseason that saw new ownership and leadership take over the Tucson Sugar Skulls indoor football team, team president Edmund Marquez and new head coach Rayshaun Kizer are eager to kick off the new season and turn the franchise around. With a focus on improving the game-day experience, building team chemistry, and chasing a championship, the Sugar Skulls are ready to showcase a dramatically different product on the field and in the stands.

Why it matters

The Sugar Skulls have struggled in recent seasons, and the new ownership group is hoping to reinvigorate the franchise and its fanbase through a complete overhaul of the team's operations, coaching staff, and on-field product. A successful season could help the Sugar Skulls establish themselves as a prominent fixture in the Tucson sports landscape.

The details

Marquez, who took over as team president just five or six months ago, has overseen a whirlwind of changes, including new uniforms, concessions, coaches, and an overall "new feel" and "new attitude." He emphasized that the transformation has been anything but a "simple, quick fix," requiring extensive work to elevate the game-day experience for fans. Meanwhile, new head coach Rayshaun Kizer, who has a 25-4 record as a coach, has brought in a fresh coaching staff and is focused on building team chemistry and chasing a championship.

  • The Sugar Skulls open their season on Sunday, March 29, 2026 against the defending IFL champions, the Las Vegas team.
  • Marquez has been the team's president for the last five or six months, taking over during the offseason.

The players

Edmund Marquez

The new president of the Tucson Sugar Skulls, who has overseen a major offseason overhaul of the franchise.

Rayshaun Kizer

The new head coach of the Tucson Sugar Skulls, who has a 25-4 record as a coach and is focused on building a championship-caliber team.

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What they’re saying

“It's like drinking through a firehose. When you watch a team (like he did last year) you think give me the steering wheel and let me play with it; let me adjust it. We know what it's supposed to look like, and we know what an elevated experience should be.”

— Edmund Marquez, Team President

“We're looking to revamp this Tucson team. The last couple of years haven't been the best seasons, but we are looking forward to a great season. I'm excited for it.”

— Rayshaun Kizer, Head Coach

What’s next

The Sugar Skulls will play their season opener against the defending IFL champion Las Vegas team on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The Tucson Sugar Skulls are embarking on a new era, with a focus on improving the fan experience, building team chemistry, and chasing a championship under the leadership of new team president Edmund Marquez and head coach Rayshaun Kizer. After several down seasons, the franchise is aiming to revitalize itself and establish a winning culture in Tucson.