vs. Champaign Eleven November 2, 1919, at Staley Field With the November 11 Taylorville Independents game on the horizon, the Staleys played a preparatory game against the Champaign Eleven, a club featuring players from the University of Illinois who were ruled ineligible to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team. The Eleven had defeated Arcola 9–0 in their last game and the Rantoul Aviators "by a decisive margin" before that. Prior to the game, Decatur recruited ex-Millikin player George Moffett and former baseball player Ray "Buster" Woodworth. The game was marred by a muddy field as both teams struggled, resulting in a 0–0 tie at halftime. Late in the third quarter, Dressen scored the first points on a touchdown, followed by Mintun returning a fumble for a score. In the fourth quarter, Dressen had two more touchdowns and Lanum recorded one. Shortly before the game's conclusion, Champaign recovered an onside kick but turned the ball over on downs as they lost 32–0. Despite the shutout win, The Herald criticized the Staleys for their poor first half and wrote "the locals must play an entirely different class of football" to beat Taylorville. Brannan was also unsatisfied with the victory and promised he would push the team harder in practices. Game 6: vs. Taylorville Independents November 11, 1919, at Hoover Field In their biggest game to date, Decatur traveled to Taylorville to face the Independents at Hoover Field on November 11. The Independents were considered the top team in Illinois, having shut out all but three teams (losing just once) since their formation in 1914; entering the Staleys game, they were 4–0 with every win being a shutout, including a 78–0 win against Carlinville. For the game, the Staleys arranged a special train that left via the Illinois Central Station. The Staleys brought their full roster including those who weren't expected to play, while A. E. Staley's mechanical and construction plants were closed to allow their employees to attend, though the manufacturing department had to stay behind. In addition to fans, A. E. Staley and company superintendent George Chamberlain also traveled with the team. To accommodate the visitors, Hoover Field added 800 seats along the south side, though part of the bleachers collapsed with no injuries. After Taylorville punted, the Staleys struck first on Lanum's touchdown run. Walt Veach intercepted Taylorville's quarterback Jones on the following drive and returned it for