GREAT DEFENSE SAVES DETROIT FROM A DEFEAT
Locals Are Stopped Four Yards From Touchdown in Last Quarter
By J.L. HUGHES

“A Staunch defense and an offense that should reap important results in future games, characterized the initial appearance of the Independents for 1921 against the Detroit Tigers at Douglas Park yesterday afternoon before a crowd of 3,304.”

Game Summary by RII.com

Rock Island won the toss and chose to receive. Detroit kicked off at 3:05 PM. Conzelman returned the ball to the 30 yard line. After a couple punts, Rock Island was in position for a field goal try. Conzelman and the Independents lined up for a 45 yard drop kick . The kick was short and Sackstader returned the kick to his own 17 yard line.  The quarter ended with the score 0-0.

The second quarter was much of the same. The Independents took over near the 50-yard line and drove down to the Tigers 24-yard line before being stopped on fourth down. The teams traded punts for the rest of the half and the Independents held possession at their own 14 yard line as the half expired.

The second half opened with Woenig kicking to Stobbs. Stobbs brought the kick back to his 29-yard line. After a punt the Independents again drove into Detroit territory.

Stobbs intercepted a pass at Detroit's 29-yard line. After some more defense and a couple of punts, Woenig connected on a 25-yard pass to the Left End, Hayes. The pass put the Islanders in position once again to try a field goal. Conzelman lined up at his 40 yard line to attempt a drop kick. The kick was partially blocked. Once again the Independents were held scoreless.

The fourth quarter started with the Independents back on the Tigers 43-yard line. Conzelman had several runs to help drive the Independents inside the Tigers 20. Brindley rushed on to relieve the exhausted Conzelman. Brindley lined up to attempt a kick from the 26-yard line; once again the kick sailed wide. Detroit took over possession at the 20 yard line. On the very next play the Tigers fumbled the ball, and the Independents recovered. It appeared despite all the failed attempts, the Independents might just pull the game out. Brindley rush around the end for seven and then an offsides on Detroit gave the Independents a first and goal from the seven. Detroit held the Locals and on fourth down from the four, the Independents line up for what appeared to be the go ahead kick. Brindley took the snap instead of kicking the ball he passed it into the endzone. The ball bounced off one Independents and then was touch by another and then held in the endzone. It appeared the Independents were going to win! By rule only the player to first touch the forward pass could keep possession. The pass was ruled a touchback. Detroit took over at their 20-yard line.

With time running out and so many missed opportunities, the Independents appeared to press. Twice they were called for offsides. Detroit was eventally held and punted to the Rock Island 40. The Independents had just enough time to mount one more drive. On the second play Waddy Kuehl intercepted a pass at Detroit’s 48-yard line. Detroit now just need 20 yards to get into field goal range. Stobbs rushed up the middle for 7 to bring Detorit to the 41-yard line. After being dominated all afternoon it appeared Detroit may come away with a victory. On the very next play the Tigers were called for an ineligible man attempting to make a catch. The ball was given back to Rock Island. Desperate to gain yardage, Rock Island tried an onside kick. Detroit recovered the kick at the 30 but again fumbled. The Independents were in scoring distance yet again. Brindley hit Malone for a 16 yard gain. With time nearly out Rock Island threw the ball into the endzone. The pass fell incomplete as it cleared the goal line. 1921 rules state that an incomplete pass over the goal is a touchback. Happy to escape again, Detroit ran the ball up the middle and the final whistle sounded.

Quotes From The Article

“Captain Frank Coughlin played a reliable, steady game at left tackle but the work of Buland and Lyle on the right side of the line stood out with especial emphasis.”
“Fitzgerald stood up in his old style at the center position, demonstrating the pep that Rock Island fans have liked so well heretofore.”

"Sid Nichols was the greatest ground gainer for the Independents. His contributions totaled 47 yards, including a pass for eight yards from Conzelman."

"Jimmy Conzelman was second with 40½  yards but was thrown for a loss of seven on one play. He established himself by his playing at halfback. He reeled off several gains, which though comparatively short, were accomplishments in view of the defense offered by Dertoit. Conzelman is fast and shifty and is a welcome addition to Rock Island."
"Eddie Novak played a great defensive game during the first half but he had difficulty negotiating ground against Detroits famous ends, Voss and Clago. Malone, who took his place in the second half and fared no better in the matter of carrying the ball. Both, however, possess the qualities of fast backfield men."
"Considering only actual advances from the scrimmage formation, the Independents gained 174½ yards against 60 yards by Detroit. The locals were thrown for losses three times, totaling 10 yards. The Tigers were thrown back from the line of scrimmage five times for 13½ yards."

"The Splendid condition of the Independents was proven by the absence of injuries. Only once was time called for Rock Island, while Detroit was in need of the water-boy numerous times."

Source - Rock Island Argus October, 3rd 1921