Sunday, October 17 @ Rock Island - Douglas Park - 7,000

The Lineups:

Rock Island.........vs............Decatur Mansfield.............RE...............Halas Buland..................RT.........Blacklock Lyle......................RG.................Jones Fitzgerald..............C................Trafton Healey..................LG.................Petty Shaw.....................LT.........Ingwerson Marshall...............LE.......Chamberlain Ursella......(C)......QB................Pearce Chicken................RH........Conzelman Novak..................LH..........Sternaman Wyman................FB.......(C)....Lanum

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1

2

3

4

T

Decatur Staleys

0

7

0

0

7

R.I. Independents

0

0

0

0

0

DS Conzelman 43yd Run (Blacklock 1pt)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

LACK OF PRACTICE AND POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION ACCOUNT FOR FIRST UPSET OF SEASON

The Game - Late in the first quarter Freeman Fitzgerald hit Jimmy Conzelman hard, jarring the ball loose - Fitzgerald fell on the ball at the 49-yard line. The Independents drove the ball down the field at a fast pace, the Staleys needed a timeout. With the ball on the 23-yard line, Wyman broke through for 10 more and it looked as if the Independents were going to score.

 

 

Second Quarter Wyman took the next snap and fumbled as he hit the line with Trafton recovering at his own 8. Later in the quarter Conzelman shot around left tackle behind Halas and Chamberlain. Fred Chicken had a shot at Jimmy but made a weak attempt. Ursella was the last obstacle but Conzelman followed his blockers and was able run take the ball over goal with ease.

Second Half - The two teams traded field position, Fred Chicken partially redeemed himself when he intercepted a Staley pass on his own 28-yard line.

Early in the 4th up 7-0 the Staleys drove to the Independents 14-yard line. Knowing a field goal would put the game away the visitors lined up for a place kick. The snap was good and the ball was set at the 25-yard line. Arnie Wyman broke though the line and made a game saving block. The Independents moved the ball away from goal. Needing a quick score they took a shot down field which just missed the outstretched arms of Oak Smith.

 

Wyman punted and the ball was fielded at the Staley 7-yard line, Pearce twisted and dodged his way out to near mid-field. Once again the Independents held as Kuehl intercepted a pass at his own 19-yard line and took the ball out to his 39. With time running Wyman pulled up and lofted a beautiful pass 45 yards  in the air. The crowd rose as it appeared Kuehl was running under the ball to make a game tying catch. Chamberlain hit Kuehl as he went for the ball and it sailed over both of their heads. The Independents argued interference but Referee Williams stuck with is call and told them to play on. The Independents were exhausted and beaten. The game ended a few minutes later with the Staleys in control of the ball.

Stat - Out rushed 286 yard to just 165, the Independents fell to a team thought to be far inferior. The Staleys were the better conditioned team as several key Independents needed substitutes.

Source - Rock Island Argus October,18 1920

Argus Writer Copeland shows Disgust in Islander Performance - Rock Island Argus 10/16/1920