CROWD OF TWO THOUSAND FANS SEES ROCKFORD A.A.C. PUT UP STIFF ARGUMENT WITH LOCALS
Every Member of Islanders Displays Class – Chicken and Henry Shine

"Smashing their way to a 20-0 victory in Douglas Park yesterday afternoon before a crowd of 2,000 fans, the Independents got off to a great start in their race for championship honors. It was the first scrimmage for the green and white since practice started, accounting for the comparatively low score. Rockford threw in a steady steam of reserves using 20 men. The visitors displayed plenty of fight and ambition but found themselves pitifully lacking in their attempts to pierce the forward wall of Ursella’s aggregation. They finally succeeded in the third and forth quarters, reaching the Independents 35-yard line. This was the closest they came to scoring. Taking into consideration that Rockford has been practicing since August, the showing of the Independents pleased every one of the 2,000 or more fans in attendance."

Game Summary by RII.com

With the grandstands nearly filled and every available auto-mobile space filled, the Independents took the field to kickoff the ball and the start of another season. Ursella kicked the ball to Hogdahl who was downed in his tracks at the 30-yard line. On First down Rockford punted and the ball went out of bounds at the Rock Island 30. Jorgenson and Chicken carried for 4 yards each, Ursella added a 10 yard run but the Rockford defense stiffened. The two teams exchanged punts with the Independents getting the better of the exchange. The Independents took over around the 25 after a 30 yard punt return by Ursella. Five plays later Fred Chicken carried the ball over goal for the first touchdown of the season. Ursella lined up and sent the ball through the goal posts.
ROCK ISLAND 7; ROCKFORD 0.

The remainder of the quarter belonged to the Independents with Chicken, Ursella, Henry and Jorgenson getting most of the gains.

The second quarter began with a Rockford punt to Ursella who brought the ball to the center of the field. The independents tried a pass on second and 8 which failed. Ursella punted to Rockford’s 30-yard line. Rockford attempted a forward pass which was intercepted by Henry. The offense took the field. Chicken gained 12 yards on three plays, then Ursella went around the end for 11 more. Chicken lined up near the goal and once again he took the ball over for a touchdown. The try for goal failed. ROCK ISLAND 13; ROCKFORD 0. The half expired.

Rock Island elected to kick again to start the second half. Rockford came out with an aggressive attack; passing the ball on several downs and getting to the Independents 35. Rockford’s drive stalled and they elected to punt to try to back the Independents up to their own goal line. Ursella was forced to catch the ball at his 10-yard line where he was downed. Rock Island immediately punted, Ursella got off a great punt. Rockford punted the ball back but on the return Ursella was able to take the ball out to his own 45-yard line. The Independents took the field determined to put the game away with their ground attack. Henry ran for 2 and Ursella crossed the 50 with 6 yard carry. On third down Chicken broke a run for 10. Henry and Chicken brought the ball to Rockford’s 21 after carries totaling 16 yards. The quarter ended with the ball on the 21 and Rock Island up 13 to 0.

The Forth quarter began with another 10 yard run for the green and white, Ursella and the Independents were wearing down a lesser opponent. From the 11, Henry and then Jorgenson brought the ball to the 2-yard line. Ursella got the call and crossed the line for the final touchdown. Ursella kicked the goal kick.
ROCK ISLAND 20; ROCKFORD 0.

Rockford had no answer and Henry gained another 35 yards as the Independents ran out the clock. Final score,
ROCK ISLAND 20; ROCKFORD 0

Quotes From The Article

In speaking to Ursella after the game, Coach Haines remarked that Rock Island, “had the means of producing a great outfit” admitting in a deprecating manner that his boys were, “unable to furnish stiff opposition”.

Credit to All - Every one of the 12 members of the Independents deserves mention. Chicken and Henry were the biggest ground gainers. Like Chicken, Henry rears and tears through, fighting for every inch. Old reliable Rube Ursella performed in his usual consistent manner. Al Jorgenson had some excellent line plunges and on Defense he downed ‘em hard and sure.

Line Strong - Rockford had no chance to gain through the line. Robb at center broke up many of their plays before they had a chance to develop. Per doctors orders, Lee Dempsey was kept out to rest his ankle he injured in practice. Dempsey was missed on the attempts to forward pass, none were completed. Rockford as a team played creditably against greater weight and strength. Nelson, Forsen and Lawrence deserve mention. Nelson threw the ball with great accuracy while Forsen and Lawrence played great games at guard.

Looking Forward - Henry was made the first casualty of the season yesterday. On the opening kickoff Tom went down on coverage and when he left his feet to make the tackle on the ball carrier his nose came in contact with the hip of a defender. A gash resulted that took two stitches to close. Henry stayed in the game with blood oozing down his face and stuck it out until the finish. Some of the team was heard to say that Henry was dazed throughout the first half because of the blow. In the second half the home crowd grew restless with the visitors and enjoyed itself by urging them to make some gains. When Chicken left the field at the start of the fourth quarter, the crowd cheered and clapped for him. Official attendance figures are not in yet but Manager Flanigan estimated they will run from 1,800 to 2,000. Next up is the Cornell-Hamburgs of Chicago.

Source -Rock Island Argus September 29, 1919