"Relentless Force: Buena’s Blue-Collar Gem"

Jax Kraus

@JaxKraus44

6'0, 195lbs, Class of 2027

Buena HS, AZ

Jax Kraus is proving himself to be a fierce blue-collar gem for Buena, and his performance against Skyline left no doubt why he earned this week’s spotlight. He had 10 tackles, with 7 of those solo, 2 tackles for loss, and a quarterback hurry; he was everywhere the Colts needed him to be in their dominant 52–20 win. His instincts were sharp, his reads were quick, and his energy nonstop, driving Buena’s defense to another level. This effort not only earned him the award but also made history, as it marked the first time two brothers have both won one of my weekly awards, and they did it in the same week.

For Jax, the bond with his brother isn’t just about sharing a field, but pushing each other higher. They grew up grinding side by side, and now that same chemistry shows in the way they communicate and adjust mid-game, reading offenses and shutting them down together. He credits his brother with raising the bar and helping him grow faster as a linebacker, and it’s clear that their connection is fueling Buena’s rise. That synergy is rare, and it’s a big reason why Buena has the firepower to make a deep run.

What makes Jax stand out even more is his relentless preparation. Coming off a year where he was behind a senior, he’s stepped into his junior season determined to show the state who he really is. Every rep, every film session, every mental rep is done with a purpose. He pushes his body to the max and understands the grind it takes to stay ready week after week. Conditioning, recovery, and focus are just as important to him as the physical side, and that discipline is what keeps him locked in through a tough 5A schedule.

Against Skyline, Jax came in with tunnel vision, one game at a time, no looking ahead. His reads were sharp all night, helped by a defensive line that controlled gaps and let him plug holes with authority. But even after a monster game, Jax insists the best is yet to come, believing he can keep improving each rep and each week, taking his energy even higher. He promises more play-making, more big hits, and leaving it all on the field for his teammates, seniors, and his brother.

And he’s got a message for anyone still sleeping on Buena: don’t. They may not come from the biggest city in Arizona, but they’ve got weapons across the board and the fight to match any powerhouse. With Jax leading from the middle, this Colts team is as dangerous as they come, and he’s intent on sending shockwaves all the way to that championship trophy.