The fourteenth NFA Championship Game was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, PA. This would be the second consecutive year that the Pittsburgh Ironmen would play in the NFA Championship. Unlike the 1951 game, this Ironmen team was favored to win the championship with their league leading defense. The Ironmen finished the 1952 season 12-0. For the first time in franchise history, the Chicago Packers would play in the championship game. They would win the NFA West with a 9-3 record. Their rookie quarterback William Watson would be a huge factor in Chicago's success. Many questioned if Chicago could get it done against the defending champions in their house though.
GAME SUMMARY
The first quarter would start off slow for both teams. Pittsburgh's defense would appear to be as good as advertised as they would force Chicago to punt two times after two three and outs. Pittsburgh's offense wouldn't be able to do much though. Chicago's front defensive linemen would contain Pittsburgh's halfback Joe Salem and hold him to only 8 yards for the quarter. If it wasn't for Harold Tisch's 37 yard reception to put the Ironmen in field goal range at the Chicago 28, the Ironmen would have no points. After the field goal attempt was good, Pittsburgh led 3-0 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh committed the first mistake of the game. From their own 27 yard line, Harold Tisch's hand off to Joe Salem would be fumbled and recovered by Chicago. This turnover would lead to a 12 yard rushing touchdown by Chicago's Bradley Stone. Chicago would lead at halftime 7-6 after Pittsburgh scored another field goal just before the half. After the half, Pittsburgh would take the lead after Joe Salem rushed 8 yards for a touchdown. Chicago would threaten to take the lead back on their next possession. William Watson would throw an interception though at the Pittsburgh 12 yard line. Pittsburgh would fail to convert a first down and would be forced to punt. Chicago's Eric Bauer would return the punt 62 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 13. After the extra point, the Packers led 14-13. Their lead wouldn't last long though. Pittsburgh would score another field goal to take a 16-14 lead. Pittsburgh's defense would dominate the final quarter of the game. They would only allow 2 first downs in the quarter and forced 2 turnovers. Barry Sandusky would force William Watson to fumble as he was being tackled for a loss. Chicago's Bobby Daniels would fumble the ball on Chicago's last drive of the game to seal the win for Pittsburgh after the Ironmen scored a pair of field goals. Pittsburgh would win 22-14 and win their second consecutive NFA Championship and second championship in franchise history.