Bruce Harbach-Schuylkill Valley

Bruce Harbach has been coaching football for 45 years. He led Lancaster Catholic to two state championships, four District 3 titles, eight Section crowns, and 139 victories over 16 seasons. The former Wilson quarterback was an assistant at Albright, West Chester, Reading, Wilson, and most recently Conrad Weiser. He told me that teams make the biggest jump from Year 1 to Year 2 under a new coaching staff. This is Harbach’s second season at the helm in Leesport. “These kids gotta know how to win. They have to know how to finish,” he stressed. That didn’t happen in Schuylkill Valley’s season opener last Friday against Twin Valley. The Panthers finished with five turnovers, including three in the red zone, and committed ten penalties. Despite gaining nearly 400 yards, Schuylkill Valley fell to Twin Valley 39-12. Dominic Giuffre, a 165-pound junior, ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Michael Goad was 19-of-31 for 218 yards and two interceptions. Harbach mentioned that sophomores Luke Spotts and Dillon Lackner are players to keep an eye on. Spotts can play wide receiver or tight end at 6’1 and 200 pounds. He had six receptions for 94 yards versus Twin Valley. Lackner, who has some of the best hands on the team, chipped in with four catches for 38 yards. The Panthers return nine starters on offense and eight on defense. Another positive is that their roster has increased from 39 a season ago to 56. Harbach is excited to be part of the new Lancaster-Lebanon League. He replied, “I was one of the first on board because of knowing that we’re down in Section 5. It’s parity. Playing schools that are similar to us, and everybody has a chance to win. That’s the nice thing about it.” It also means that Harbach will have a chance to face Lancaster Catholic. “It’s gonna be fun. I think we’ll have a great crowd here. Hopefully, it’s for the Section championship. That’s gonna be special and it’s here,” he said. Harbach guided the Crusaders to state titles in 2009 and 2011. He stepped down at Lancaster Catholic in 2017. Harbach emphasized that right now he’s only concerned with preparing for Upper Perkiomen. Schuylkill Valley travels there this Friday. The Indians got crushed by Boyertown last week 61-0. We also talked about his induction this summer into the Berks County Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Harbach was honored to be recognized by his peers. “I just like working with the kids, seeing them progress. Being on the field, calling plays, interacting with other coaches and other teams is great,” he said.