Gathered on a small stage in one end zone of the Columbus Civic Center late Saturday night, the Augusta Spartans began rigorously chanting "B.I.B., B.I.B."

Having just beaten the Columbus Lions 63-60 in dramatic fashion to win World Indoor Bowl I, the Spartans could safely call themselves the "best in the business" without any argument.

"That's what we lived by the whole season - being the best in the biz," said receiver Anthony Young, who caught six passes for 57 yards and three touchdowns. "We stayed after it, and we're the champions. We look forward to bringing this back home to our fans in Augusta."

The Spartans won the inaugural World Indoor Football League championship by going into the home arena of the regular-season champion Lions, who had defeated Augusta twice during the year, and shocking the rowdy crowd of 3,529 fans with a rousing final drive.

Augusta quarterback Mike Rathe rolled out and hit MVP Marvin Stone for a 3-yard touchdown pass with 18 seconds left to provide the winning score.

It was Augusta's fourth consecutive win and sixth in its final eight games.

"The way we did it, that says worlds about this team," said Rathe, who went 19-for-31 passing with 261 yards and eight touchdowns. "We came out on top. This is why you play the game, to see the smiles on everyone's faces. I've never won a championship in anything, so this is a great feeling."

Stone continued to collect hardware. Already the WIFL's Offensive Player of the Year and season MVP, he was named the game's MVP with five touchdowns - none bigger than the last. It came after Columbus looked poised for the win, having come back from a nine-point deficit to take a 60-56 lead with 2:13 left.

After Stone's score, Spartans defensive back Chip Dykes intercepted Columbus quarterback Joey Conrad in the end zone with three seconds left to preserve the championship.

Augusta, the league's No. 2 seed in the playoffs, finished 10-6, while Columbus, the No. 1 seed, finished 10-5.

Reach Steve Sanders at (706) 823-3216 or steven.l.sanders@augustachronicle.com.