Two heavyweights stood toe-to-toe and went blow-for-blow in a knock-down, drag out fight for the IWFL title tonight at North Park University in Chicago.

In the end, RB Jessica Springer put her team on her back in OT as the Diamonds drove 52 yards to win the team's first IWFL championship title. Springer, who ran for all five Dallas TDs and two two-point conversions, was named the championship game MVP.

"For us, the one's who came back, this proves we are the best in women's football," Springer said. "That's what we came here to prove and we did."

Springer carried the ball 32 times for nearly 240 yards, by far her biggest performance of the year. When the Diamonds won the toss in overtime, they handed the ball seven of the nine plays to Springer, who racked up 42 yards on the drive and punched it in from 13 yards out.

Asked what was the difference in the game, Chicago coach Jim Stahl was brief and to the point. "Springer," he said. "Without a doubt."

Springer, who at 5-10 and 205 pounds runs a 4.8 40 yard dash, third fastest in the league, says she was "born to play football." Even so, after five seasons, she said she will not be back for a sixth: "I'm done."

The Scoring:
 
2nd
Chicago (3:26) Melissa Smith 1-yard run. Sami Grisafe run. Force 8, Diamonds 0

Dallas (:25.8) Jessica Springer 1-yard run. Springer run. Force 8, Diamonds 8

3rd
Dallas (11:08) Springer 20-yard run. Emily Tidwell kick. Diamonds 15, Force 8

Chicago (9:29) Smith 11-yard run. Carolyn Lee kick. Diamonds 15, Force 15

Chicago (7:39) Grisafe 3-yard run. Lee kick. Force 22, Diamonds 15

Dallas (2:57) Springer 11-yard run. Kick failed. Force 22, Diamonds 21

4th
Dallas (10:36) Springer 3-yard run. Springer run. Diamonds 29, Force 22

Chicago (6:14) Grisafe 8-yard pass to Angie Bandstra. Lee kick. Diamonds 29, Force 29

OT
Dallas (8:42) Springer 13-yard run. Diamonds 35, Force 20