Bishop Foley’s ‘active’ defense paves way for offensive success

MADISON HEIGHTS — Consistency is key, and Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s football team has been nothing short of consistent in its last four seasons.

Since the start of its four-straight playoff appearances in 2018, Bishop Foley has been unbeaten through three games every year.

Bishop Foley has mirrored the same formula this year as the defense’s dominant eight points per game allowed has translated to over 46 points per game on the offensive side.

“We kind of knew we were breaking in a new quarterback and the defense might have to carry us, and they’ve really been dominant,” Bishop Foley coach Brian Barnes said.

Bishop Foley’s defense, under defensive coordinator Danny Gough, has played at the top of its game with senior talent loaded on the front-four with Jack Hopkins, Logan Renner, Nate Brewer, and Gabe Malinowski anchoring the trenches. Hopkins had 10 tackles and a sack in a 35-7 win over Royal Oak Shrine Catholic on Sept. 9. at Shrine Catholic High School.

“Our defensive line is pretty active,” Barnes said. “Our defense has been elite.”

On the offensive side, senior quarterback Angelo Costanza and senior wide receiver Adam Kidder have made a significant impact for Bishop Foley. Costanza threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns while Kidder hauled in 163 yards receiving and had two scores against Shrine.

The Bishop Foley offense will have to operate for the remainder of the season without its two-time All-State senior running back Jackson Zeiter due to injury.

It’s a significant loss, but Bishop Foley remains motivated and will have extra fuel added to the fire.

Bishop Foley will host Catholic League division rival Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (1-2) on Sept. 17.

Bishop Foley started 3-0 in 2021 before losing in week four to Cranbrook Kingswood in a 43-41 shootout.

“We’re just thankful to be in the situation we’re in, and we’re thankful for some of the progression of our guys,” Barnes said.