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| 7/27/2009 11:56:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | A WOMAN'S WORLD
Schmidt a star in showcase of women’s football Saturday
By ARIC ALLEN
Special to the Leader
Round Rock's introduction to women's football ended in dramatic form Saturday, with Kansas City holding on to topple previously unbeaten D.C.
The K.C. Tribe defeated the D.C. Divas 21-18 in the Independent Women's Football League World Championship game at the Round Rock ISD Athletic Complex Saturday.
The Tribe, which finished the season 10-1, was led by first-year quarterback Jenny Schmidt, one of the most prolific passers in the IWFL.
In her first year in the league she passed for 3,030 yards and 41 touchdowns while only throwing 10 interceptions. Schmidt didn't disappoint in the championship; she completed 16 of 28 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. She also rushed for a touchdown from 2 yards out.
But it didn't come without a fight from D.C., which was 10-0 going into the championship.
The majority of the scoring came late in the game, with the Divas leading 10-7 early in the second half. Kansas City, however, then rallied to move within field-goal range, but instead opted to go for it on fourth down at the D.C. 8-yardline. D.C.'s defense held, though, leaving Kansas City fans second-guessing the decision.
Fortune turned the Tribe's way, though, as D.C. fumbled on their own 28-yardline minutes later. Kansas City recovered, and Schmidt quickly converted the opportunity into a 25-yard strike to wideout Rusty Sowers for a 14-10 advantage.
Kansas City put insurance points on the scoreboard later on when Schmidt rushed for her 2-yard touchdown, making the score 21-10 Tribe.
D.C. answered with a lengthy drive that began on its side of the field. A rushing touchdown and a run for the 2-point conversion made it 21-18 late in the game.
Kansas City, however, managed to keep the ball out of the Divas' hands, running out the clock on its final drive.
Schmidt was voted the offensive MVP by her coach and was also the Fan Favorite MVP.
"I was very humbled to receive these awards," she said. "I can't take all the credit. This is definitely a team award."
Tribe head coach Ed Williams noted, "We know what it takes to get here and the step to repeating as champions is to stick to the plan we have already laid out this season."
In minor league women's football action earlier Saturday, the Wisconsin Warriors handled the Montreal Blitz 42-14 in the North American Champ-ionship at RRISD Athletic Complex.
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