Dominic Giuffre is Wyomissing Physical Therapy Offensive Player of the Week
Wyomissing Physical Therapy Offensive Player of the Week
Dominic Giuffre is a threat to score no matter where he’s lined up – even if it’s on defense.
The Schuylkill Valley senior showed that Friday against Susquenita when, lined up at defensive end, he intercepted a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown in a 48-14 win over Susquenita.
“It was a set play for a blitz where I was supposed to disrupt the running back’s route and then rush the quarterback,” said Giuffre, who usually lines up at linebacker on defense. “I locked eyes with the quarterback and grabbed the pass (intended for the running back). I knew I was off to the races at that point.”
Giuffre was off to the races a lot Friday: He ran for three touchdowns and a season-high 232 yards to earn Wyomissing Physical Therapy Offensive Player of the Week.
It is the fifth time he has scored four touchdowns in a game. Last season he became the only player in the history of the program to score four or more touchdowns four times in the same season.
Giuffre ran for 169 first-half yards on 17 carries and scored all of his touchdowns as the Panthers moved out to a 35-14 lead. His Pick Six came with 25 seconds left in the first half.
He also caught one pass for 15 yards. That’s another part of his game that has expanded this season: He’s has caught a team-high 12 passes, with a pair of TD catches. He was primarily a running back last season; now he’s become a key part of the passing attack and playing defense, as well.
Giuffre made a huge impact as a junior just carrying the football.
He rushed for 1,548 yards and set or matched at least eight program records, including 30 TDs in a season, 174 points in a season and 24 touchdown runs in a season. He scored a program-record six touchdowns in the regular season finale against unbeaten Lancaster Catholic.
“(He) has quick feet and good acceleration,” said Schuylkill Valley coach Bruce Harbach. “He’s tough to bring down in the open field. I like his quickness and his mobility.”
Giuffre spent the spring and summer working with noted Reading-area trainer John Schaeffer, working to improve his overall strength, especially his legs. He played last season at, or below, 160 pounds. He was wiry and a tough runner then. Now, at 175 pounds, he’s even tougher – and faster.
“I was able to add on to my speed,” said Giuffre, who has been timed at 4.51 in the 40. “I feel more power when I lift off.”
Giuffre was selected once last season as Offensive Player of the Week.
Players considered for Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.
Also considered for Wyomissing Physical Therapy Offensive Player of the Week:
- Dean Rotter, Daniel Boone
- Jayden Zandier, Exeter
- Czion Brickle, Fleetwood
- Grady Garner, Gov. Mifflin
- Tyler Shuey, Hamburg
- Mason Sherry, Kutztown
- Ean Winchester, Twin Valley
- Eddison Case, Wilson
- Chase Eisenhower, Wyomissing
Selected earlier this season:
- Week 1: Tyler Shuey, Hamburg
- Week 2: Tommy Hunsicker, Wilson
Players selected last season:
- Week 1: Gio Cavanna, Muhlenberg
- Week 2: Cam Jones, Wilson
- Week 3: Pierce Mason, Hamburg
- Week 4: Gio Cavanna, Muhlenberg
- Week 5: Josiah Jordan, Berks Catholic
- Week 6: Ruben Rodriguez, Reading High
- Week 7: Cam Jones, Wilson
- Week 8: Dominic Giuffre, Schuylkill Valley
- Week 9: Leland Moore, Hamburg
- Week 10: Cam Jones, Wilson
- Week 11: Pierce Mason, Hamburg
- Week 12: Evan Johnson, Twin Valley
