"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."
