Bishop Foley continues historic season, beats Clawson 49-7

MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s football program has already made history this season, but coach Brian Barnes and his team are looking to make a significant impact outside of the regular schedule.

“I like to say we’re a program now, and what I mean is one that people want to be a part of, and one that parents and alumni are excited to be a part of,” Barnes said.

Foley (10-0) earned its first-ever undefeated regular season and highest win total in school history this year, and a 49-7 win over Clawson on Oct. 28 at Bishop Foley High School continued the team’s historic run.

Foley’s success in the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association playoffs was powered by an offense that has averaged just under 40 points per game this season.

“We just have some big play ability that helps; guys that can get us chunk plays and big plays at a time,” Barnes said.

Senior quarterback Angelo Costanza continued his explosive season under center, throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Senior wide receiver Adam Kidder was on the receiving end of all three passing touchdowns.

Barnes said Costanza’s mentality has been a factor behind his success.

“He just doesn’t get rattled,” Barnes said. “He’s very even keeled, which is something we really try to stress with our quarterbacks.”

While Foley has been dominant through the air, the offense provided a balanced attack on the ground thanks to senior running back Gus Toppi, who tallied four rushing touchdowns in the win.

Foley’s senior-led defense, which allowed only 11 points per game this year, was strong again behind senior defensive linemen Gabe Malinowski, Nate Brewer, Jack Hopkins, and Logan Renner.

“We just have a lot of depth and a lot of seniors in this group. We try to force teams to do things they don’t want to do,” Barnes said.

Foley’s defensive front will have its hands full when it takes on Warren Michigan Collegiate on Nov. 4 at Bishop Foley High School in the district finals.

“It’s definitely going to be a battle, a fistfight,” Barnes said. “Not a battle like getting penalties, but it’s going to be a fistfight.”

Michigan Collegiate has been a consistent threat in the MHSAA playoffs with 14-straight appearances, including a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Division 6 state championship last year.

“I know their staff really well, and I think they do a great job. They’re a fantastic program,” Barnes said. “It’s a big challenge for us in that regard. We know they’re good and we know what they’re about.”

As for Clawson, the program had its fourth season of having a .500 or better record in the last five years. Clawson coach Steve Haney said the team’s struggle remains the same as what the program has battled in past years.

“We’re still in a state of tragically low numbers,” Haney said. “That was our biggest obstacle to overcome this year.”

While holding 34 players on the varsity roster and only 11 on the junior varsity roster, Clawson was able to be successful this year regardless of numbers.

Clawson’s inexperience this year won’t be a factor next season as Haney returns an experienced group that’s ready to pick up where they left off.

“There’s just a lot of Clawson kids who take a lot of pride in the traditions they have,” Haney said.