Robeson     18
R. Brookfield 14
With all due respect to Robeson, who edged the Riverside Brookfield football team 18-14 at Gately Stadium on Friday night, the Bulldogs felt like they let one get away.
Last year, the host Raiders, led by former star Brandon Green-current member of the University of Minnesota football team-blasted RB with their team speed and athleticism.
This time, the non-conference rematch carried a decidedly different vibe for the Bulldogs (0-2). Trailing 12-0 early, RB scored a pair of touchdowns on consecutive possessions in the second quarter to seize a 14-12 advantage at the intermission.
With both teams committing numerous turnovers on a rainy, slippery turf field, the Raiders mustered a final scoring drive in the third to regain the lead for good at 18-14.
“Robeson was a beatable team,” said RB linebacker Matt Regnier. “Usually, they have guys like Brandon Green or other talented receivers. They had some big guys, but in the fourth quarter [RB defensive coordinator] coach [Bob] Daman made a great decision to use a stunt with our defense. We stuffed them every play.”
Regnier’s fellow linebackers Marty Calkins, Pete Szumski and Sean Mozdzen helped limit the Raiders’ offense by plugging gaps and applying pressure.
The Bulldogs hit their stride offensively midway through the second quarter when quarterback Billy VandeMerkt threw a pass on a comeback route to Will Lusthoff for a score. VandeMerkt, who threw for over 2,100 yards last season, also collaborated with Tyler Wienke to Dontaye Bosley on a 40-yard double pass that found the end zone.
“After falling behind [12-0], we came back strong with two touchdowns,” VandeMerkt said. “We approached things like we normally do on offense, but the rain didn’t help, especially in the second half.”
Riverside Brookfield (0-3) takes on Fenton in both teams’ Metro Suburban Conference opener Friday night (7 p.m.) in Brookfield. Last season, the Bulldogs dropped their first three games before reeling off five wins in six games, including a 29-26 decision over the Bison, to capture the conference title. A year later and with 18 starters back, RB faces a similar “win every game” scenario.
The Bison employ a strong running attack featuring ball carriers like quarterback Ricky Prignano and fullback D.J. Anderson, who follow the blocks of returning all-conference right tackle Francisco Ochoa and center Benji Sciullo.
“We are going to take it to Fenton as hard as we can,” said RB defensive lineman Andrew Biggerstaff. “It’s pretty easy for us to get fired up.”