It was not the debut that Riverside Brookfield head football coach Otto Zeman envisioned for his new all-11-eligible offense in Friday night’s season opener in Riverside.

The Bulldogs offense stumbled out of the gate and as the game progressed, defending Class 5A state champion Metamora took advantage. The Redbirds scored four of their six touchdowns on runs of 15 yards or more in a 42-14 win over R-B.

“If our offense was a tire it was flat,” Zeman said. “We executed poorly tonight. In our scrimmage last Friday night, we were really good and sharp. I’m just disappointed in everyone and we weren’t ready to play.”

The Bulldogs were held to 91 total yards (all passing) in the first half. In contrast, Metamora piled 235 total yards (all rushing) the first 24 minutes to build a 21-0 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs had a chance to get back in the game before the break. But they allowed too much time to run off the clock on third down and goal and ended up losing possession after the ball was spiked on fourth down.   

“We needed to score at the end of the first half,” Zeman said.  “The head coach didn’t do very well tonight.”

“That was a big stop before half,” Metamora head coach Pat Ryan said. “If (R-B) scores, its 21-7 at halftime with them having the momentum and the football first to start the second half.”

Redbird quarterback Michael Fay ran the option effectively, rushing for 92 yards on five attempts, including touchdown runs 5 and 48 yards in the first half.  Running back Aaron Peters ran for 117 yards on 14 carries and a pair of touchdowns. Peters’ 43-yard march gave Metamora a commanding 28-0 advantage with 8:30 left in the third quarter. The Redwings pushed the lead to 35-0 entering the fourth.

Another reason Metamora had so much success defending the Bulldogs’ new offense was due to limiting R-B from making the big yardage plays until the game was out of reach.

“We won this game because of our defense,” Ryan said. “R-B is extremely tough to prepare for and that’s why I’m so proud of our guys. I thought we communicated very well because once you think you’ve seen all their plays, they turn around and run something different.”

Bulldog quarterback Billy VandeMerkt (30-of-48 passing, 248 yards, touchdown, interception) made completions to eight different receivers. His 28-yard strike to Will Lusthoff put R-B on the board with 4:48 to go in the fourth. Lusthoff caught 10 passes for 78 yards.

The Bulldogs final touchdown came off a double-pass from Jeff Rodriguez to David Lutz from 23-yards out with 11 seconds remaining in the contest.

“We had our opportunities,” Zeman said. “But (Metamora) did a good job. They are a good football team and showed why they are one the most solid programs in the state.”