It was a roller-coaster football season for Schuylkill Valley in 2022.
After losing their first two games by a combined 44 points, the Panthers won six straight.
They dropped their final two regular season games, but qualified for the District 3 Class 3A playoffs, where they lost 45-21 to West Perry.
Schuylkill Valley finished 5-2 in Section 5 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, 6-5 overall. It was the Panthers’ first winning season since going 7-4 in 2013 and their first district playoff berth since 2014.
Now, the Panthers are looking to build off the positives of that up-and-down season.
“O-and-2 start was like a punch in the face,” said junior Lucas Spotts, a tight end and linebacker. “We realized that we needed a lock-in and focus. We really put in the work at practice and it just kept going and win after win we just kept on rolling.”
In their six-game winning streak, the Panthers outscored their opponents 235-78.
That success was largely the result of running back Dominic Giuffre, an All-Berks selection.
Giuffre, now a senior, rushed for 1,546 and 27 touchdowns on 191 carries (8.1 yards per carry). He also had 15 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns.
“Just stay locked in and be committed,” Giuffre said on how this can be a successful season. “Just doing the little things that matter, which is gonna make a big difference when it comes game time. Just keep on going like it’s not going to stop me. Just gotta keep on going and start it back up this year, too.”
Panthers coach Bruce Harbach also said he thinks that Giuffre’s game still has room to grow.
“Once we taught him about the third or fourth game (last season) how to run the zone and be patient, that’s when he started exploding. He’s got a lot more in him.”
Another key contributor from last season who will be expected to take another step is Spotts, a second-team All-Berks selection at tight end.
He was the Panthers’ leading receiver a year ago with 28 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns.
“They’re good enough athletes (Spotts and fellow tight end Dimitri Aletras),” Harbach said. “They both play basketball so we can either go two tight ends or split them out and not change any personnel and match them up with the linebackers on the inside in the slot and not lose anything. They both have tremendous hands. They both got bigger, too.”
Junior quarterback Logan Nawrocki will solely be behind center this season after the graduation of Michael Goad.
Nawrocki got experience under the Friday night lights last season, when he completed 26-of-52 passes for 503 yards and seven touchdowns with one interception. He also ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
“He won some games for us,” Harbach said. “Smart kid, smart quarterback, student of the game. (He) can control the game and can control the offense. Knows where everybody is going at one time. He has suggestions. More of a play-action type guy and a roll-out type guy than a pocket guy. We’re gonna throw a quick game and he can throw it”
“I feel great,” Nawrocki said. “Last year, we had a great year and we got almost everyone back. (We) have a great team, got a great line, great receivers and obviously, we got Dom (Giuffre) which makes it a lot easier as the quarterback.”
As the majority of the Panthers’ playmakers are set to return, there are high expectations to build off last season. There’s a belief in Leesport that the talent is there to win the Section 5 title.
Last year, Schuylkill Valley lost its final regular season game 44-41 to Lancaster Catholic. With a win, the Crusaders and Panthers each would’ve finished 6-1 in the section.
“We got this close last year to take the section title home,” Harbach said. “I think the kids have a taste of it. I think our kids bounced back, got to the playoffs, and finished with a winning record. Start to turn this program around with a change of culture and a great group of kids to work with. They’re excited. They’re chomping at the bit here. It’s a great group of kids.”
A look at the Panthers
Coach: Bruce Harbach, third season, 8-14 (147-69, including 16 seasons at Lancaster Catholic).
Last year: 5-2 Lancaster-Lebanon Section 5, 6-5; District 3 Class 3A quarterfinal.
PIAA classification: Class 3A.
Schedule: Aug. 25, at Twin Valley; Aug. 31, Upper Perkiomen; Sept. 8, Susquenita; Sept. 15, at Kutztown; Sept. 22, Pequea Valley; Sept. 29, Northern Lebanon; Oct. 6, at Columbia; Oct. 13, Hamburg; Oct. 20, at Annville-Cleona; Oct. 27, at Lancaster Catholic.
