argued the Independents would have to hire ringers to defeat them. Game 7: vs. Rantoul Aviators November 16, 1919, at Staley Field The Staleys returned to Decatur to play the Aviators, who were able to arrive at the game this time as they traveled by Illinois Traction System. The Aviators also arranged for two planes to fly from Chanute Field, a trip that forced them to refuel after strong winds lengthened their flights, and performed over Decatur before kickoff to promote the game and at halftime. Wasem and Veach missed the game after suffering shoulder injuries against Taylorville, as did Thrift. Despite the absences and failing to score on the first drive, backup halfback Pyrzynski scored the opening points with an eight-yard touchdown. Mintun's field goal, Dressen's end-around "famous trick play" 15-yard touchdown, and a 40-yard touchdown run by Lanum gave the Staleys a 17–0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, the Staleys fumbled at the goal line and an Aviator recovered in the end zone, resulting in a safety. After Krigbaum scored, Decatur led 33–0 at halftime. Lanum scored three more touchdowns in the second half and Pyrzynski added another in the 61–0 shutout. Game 8: vs. Arcola Independents November 23, 1919, at Staley Field Shortly after the Taylorville game, O'Brien scheduled a meeting with the Arcola Independents. Arcola, who entered the game 5–1, was viewed by The Herald as a more formidable opponent than Taylorville, reasoning that Arcola's 37–0 win over an Illiopolis team was more impressive than Taylorville's 33–0 victory over the same team. The Independents' roster featured center "Bun" Moran, who played for the Staleys against Taylorville and therefore had knowledge of Decatur's strategies, and various players from the Champaign Eleven. These additions raised suspicion from Decatur newspapers who accused Arcola of "loading up" their roster for the game; the Decatur Daily Review Arcola correspondent refuted the claims and said the players were "none other than honest sons of honest farmers" who viewed football as "only a sideline". Gepford and Dressen quickly made gains on offense through passing and rushing, respectively, to set up the latter's 30-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Arcola lost a fumble that led to Dressen's trick play and a two-yard score. Lanum scored on a ten-yard run shortly before halftime to put the Staleys up 20–0. Another Staley touchdown opened the second half,