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D.C. Divas first-year coach Keith Howard set a series of simplistic goals for his team this season, asking that the squad go 1-0 each week.

The Independent Women's Football League team has done as Howard has asked, winning each of its 10 games so far, and now the Divas are one victory away from a league championship. D.C. will take on the Kansas City Tribe (9-1) for the IWFL title at 8 p.m. Saturday in Round Rock, Texas.

The Divas (10-0) advanced to the IWFL title game by upending the Boston Militia, 27-21, on July 11 in Somerville, Mass., thanks largely to Tara Stephenson. The wide receiver caught two touchdown passes, and in the game's final minute she had a 72-yard kickoff return for a touchdown after Boston had taken a 21-19 lead. Kansas City defeated the Chicago Force, 40-16, in the Western Conference final in a game that Chicago led 7-6 at halftime.

"What impresses me the most about watching [Kansas City] on film is seeing that they keep attacking," Howard said. "They like to go for the big plays. They line up with four- and five-wide receiver sets and they come out throwing practically on every down. They're going to hit one against us. We just have to limit their big plays. Our offense is going to have to help keep their offense off the field. It's a great matchup. I just wish the game was here so that everyone can see how good these teams really are."

The Divas represent a more traditional approach to the game. D.C. will look to establish itself on the ground with running backs Okiima Pickett, Tiffany Matthews and Rachel Pecovsky-Bentley setting up the passing attack for quarterback Allyson Hamlin. Kansas City uses a no-huddle offense and throws 80 percent of the time. Tribe quarterback Jennifer Schmidt has thrown for more than 3,000 yards this season.

"A lot of our success is due to our quarterback," said Kansas City general manager and part-owner Mindy White, who also plays linebacker for the Tribe. "She's just had a phenomenal season. You don't see many quarterbacks that can throw for more than 3,000 yards in a 10-game season. We have a small team, with only 25 players. But one thing that summarizes this team is our heart."

The Tribe has only been in existence for two seasons, while the Divas just completed their 10th season. Several members of the D.C. roster, including Hamlin, have been with the team for much of its existence.

"I think we all came back [this season] for this reason," said Hamlin. "We've worked harder this year than any previous year. You can't take anything for granted. We have to take advantage of the opportunity. Their defense is nothing that we haven't seen all year. When you face us, you have to pick your poison. Most teams want to stop our running game. They have a small roster and many players who go both ways, so I think we can wear them down."

E-mail Ted Black at tblack@gazette.net.