Crits a big part of Wissahickon's football revival

While he's not exactly a speedster in football or baseball, Wissahickon's J.T. Crits can hold his own while running as a quarterback or first baseman.

Just don't ask him to take on long distances, which his older brother, Nick, routinely does while competing in cross-country and track and field for La Salle University.

"No way," the 6-foot, 185-pound senior said. "He's nuts. He'll go out and run 10 miles like it's nothing. That's definitely not my thing."

J.T. Crits' "thing" at the moment has been aiding Wissahickon's major turnaround on the gridiron. After posting a 1-9 mark last season, the Trojans are 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the Suburban One League American Conference.

"It's a huge difference from last year," said Crits, a second-year starter. "The focus and preparation have been constant. We're ready for each week's game."

Jeff Cappa, a former quarterback at Clarion University, is Wissahickon's first-year head coach. He was the squad's quarterbacks coach the last two seasons.

"One of the biggest things we worked on was player development, including offseason training," Cappa, 34, said. "To do that, we had to have better coaching. Some new coaches were brought in, and the entire staff has put in the time and commitment to make this work."

Cappa switched to a wing-T scheme on offense, with fullback Ricky O'Donnell and wingbacks Anthony Delegall and Dan Murphy handling the rushing duties.

"We have several good athletes who can run the ball, which works great in the wing-T," Crits said. "We can turn to more than one guy to carry it."

The offensive line has been anchored by 6-1, 330-pound junior tackle Khalil Roberts; senior guards Ivory Taliafero (5-8, 210; a converted running back) and Rocco Flocco (5-10, 195); and 6-7, 245-pound tight end Tanoh Kpassagnon.

Kpassagnon, who doubles as a defensive end, has orally committed to Villanova. "He's athletic, very tough, and he's got good hands," Cappa said. "He's exactly what you want in a tight end."

The primary targets for Crits, who converted all 11 passing attempts for 183 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-19 triumph over Upper Moreland on Oct. 14, are wideouts Gordon Bentley and Jared Reed.

"I don't think J.T. gets enough credit for the job he's done this year," said Cappa, a guidance counselor at Wissahickon. "He been real effective running the wing-T."

In addition to Kpassagnon and O'Donnell, an inside linebacker, a multiple-set defense has been keyed by tackle Joe Gorman, outside linebacker Randy Frankenfield, and cornerback Greg McDonough.

Crits has orally committed to play baseball at La Salle. Over the summer, the 18-year-old, a righthanded hitter who earned first-team all-conference honors in each of the last two seasons, played for Dave Amaro's Philly Bandits, a local squad that showcases the area's best prospects.

An Ambler resident, Crits, who has played the piano since second grade, plans to major in digital arts and multimedia design.

Frankford-Washington. In the second half of Frankford's 21-20 win Saturday over Public League Gold Division rival Washington, junior QB Tim DiGiorgio hit on 13 of 14 throws for 131 yards and two TDs. On the 11-play, 80-yard winning drive, he was 8 for 8 for 87 yards. . . . Overall, DiGiorgio was 22 for 26 for 296 yards. The 6-3, 175-pound lefthander spread the ball among five receivers: Aaron Allison (seven catches for 78 yards), Kelly Johnson (five for 31), Marquan Scott (four for 87), Renz "Rodeo" Compton (three for 69, TD), and Mike Brown (three for 31, TD). . . . For the Eagles, outside linebacker/strong safety Miguel Caban notched eight tackles (five solos) and returned Allison's first-quarter fumble 46 yards for a score. . . . End Kashiem Poland led Frankford's defense with 13 tackles, including six solos. Linebacker Tori Gordon (nine, four) was next in line for the Pioneers. . . . Frankford overcame three turnovers in the opening 20 minutes, including two fumbles. . . . Washington made a puzzling and regretful decision when it went for one point instead of two after Hakeem Sillman's 2-yard TD run with 10 minutes, 30 seconds remaining. Jake Wright's boot made it 20-14. With 30.9 seconds to go, Eric Salguero's PAT for Frankford, following Compton's 14-yard TD catch, proved to be the difference. . . . Pioneers receiver and defensive back Savoy Martin sat out with a left knee injury. He is expected to get an MRI early this week. . . . Ex-Washington standout Sharrif Floyd, now a sophomore defensive end at Florida, was in attendance.

Pub playoffs. Here is next weekend's Public League Class AAAA and AA playoff schedule. The Class AAA tournament (Boys' Latin vs. West Philadelphia, and Dobbins vs. Simon Gratz) starts the weekend of Nov. 4-5.

In Class AAAA, Gold Division champion Frankford and runner-up Washington were awarded opening-round byes.

Friday

CLASS AAAA QUARTERFINALS

 Northeast (4) at Central (5), 3

Lincoln (6) at Germantown (3), 3

Saturday

CLASS AA SEMIFINALS

at Simon Gratz

 Prep Charter (4) vs. Bok (1), 1

Communications Tech (3) vs.

Imhotep Charter (2), 4