After her family moved from Chandler, Arizona to Colorado the summer before fifth grade, Beckham Kritza was looking for a sense of community. When he walked into his first Boulder Bears youth football practice, he immediately felt a family atmosphere. More importantly, he developed a friendship with teammate Jordan Rachel.
While Krittza dreams of becoming a star quarterback someday, Rachel’s momentum aligns with her goal of being a wide receiver. What they didn’t know at the time was that five years later, their connections on and off the field would help Fairview High School offer Division I as freshmen.
As increasing sophistication, they have already caught the eye of college programs, both having received scholarship offers from Colorado, among others. However, going forward, both will develop their talents separately.
For family reasons, Krutja recently transferred to Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Orange County, California. Santa Margarita is in the Trinity League, one of the best high school football conferences in California.
While they will no longer play together, the friends bond is still strong.
“Jordan was the first person I reported the news to,” Krittja said. “It was really sad but he was super supportive. He’s my best friend.”
When Krittja arrived at Fairview as a freshman last fall, head coach Tom McCartney immediately recognized his talent.
“He quickly picked up on what we do and was doing it to a high standard. He has an incredible skill set.”
After a stellar freshman season when he threw for 3,192 yards and 22 touchdowns, Kritza attracted the attention of recruits far beyond Colorado. They have already received offers from CU, Colorado State, Kansas, Texas A&M and others. The 6-foot-4 Kritza has also toured programs such as the University of Alabama, LSU, Georgia, North Carolina, and Southern California. However, he is far from deciding college.
“I’m not rushing the process,” he said.
Despite suffering a hip injury during her freshman season, 5-foot-10 Rachel also stood up for McCartney. After fellow receiver Grant Page was injured, he assumed the role of the Knights’ go-to receiver.
“Jordan has another gear,” McCartney said of Rachel, who had 845 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns.
Rachel’s success in the lead role paid off, as CU introduced her at the conclusion of the 2021 season. Rachel, who had wanted to play college ball since childhood, said that while she is excited by the offer, she would take her time before deciding to go to college.
“It would be great to play for my city,” said Rachel. “I’ve been a fan of his because I can remember, I’ve always looked up to him. I just wanted to play there to go to the games.”
There is a chance that Krutja and Rachel may reunite in college.
“If it happens then it happens,” Krittja said. “We are supposed to be happy for each other, because we know we will both play football. It would be nice to play on the same ground again, though he is my brother.”
