Jonny Paecht is only 16 years old, but the Holliston High junior has all the attributes to become one of the best soccer players in the Tri Valley League.
The 5-foot-9, 150-pound midfielder, who’s played youth and club soccer for 11 years, is a leader who’s experienced, versatile and highly skilled. A captain, Paecht was chosen for that role unanimously by his teammates. And, he’s able to play forward or in midfield.
His coach, Jay Dupuis, who’s no stranger to the sport, likes every aspect of Paecht’s game. “Jonny is an all-around player,’’ Dupuis said. “He’s got tremendous skills, excellent footwork, a strong work ethic, and he can score. He’s a pro-active player who displays great tenacity without the ball.’’
Since the season began, Paecht has been playing strictly as the Panthers center midfielder — a position with lots of responsibility. “It’s challenging because it involves constant transition,’’ Paecht said. “You’re basically the quarterback on offense and defense. I prefer midfield to playing forward, because it’s so active. There’s lots of decision-making and passing, and you’re always dealing with counter attacks.’’
Paecht, who scored eight goals and had three assists as a sophomore, may not get as many scoring opportunities as he would at forward. But, he’s not concerned about statistics.
“Playing center midfield enables me to set up more offensive situations,’’ he notes. “Assists are just as important as goals. Another challenge is going against our opponent’s best players. They usually are midfielders.’’
The Panthers, who have gone to the tourney in both of Paecht’s first two years on the varsity, are a young team but he’s optimistic a third trip is likely. So far, Holliston has a 3-1 record.
“My goals this season are to qualify for the tourney and go deeper,’’ Paecht said. “Last year, we had an 11-5-1 record and split a pair of games in the playoffs. Besides advancing further, I think it would be cool if we can win the TVL Large Division title.’’
As for individual objectives, Paecht isn’t worried about increasing his goals and assist totals. He just wants to improve his overall game and become a capable captain. He’s been explosive on offense in the early going. Against Millis in the Panthers’ opener, Paecht scored a goal and had two assists. Then, he scored three goals in Holliston’s triumph over Dedham and notched the winning goal in a victory over Medfield.
“I’ll strive to be a better defender and to be more of an offensive contributor,’’ he said. “I’m humbled to be a captain. I didn’t see it coming, but it’s an honor. I’ll work to lead by example and by being vocal, if needed.’’
If the Panthers achieve another winning season, Paecht could be named to the TVL all-star squad. “It’s not something I focus on, but it would be welcomed if I’ve improved and helped the team,’’ he emphasized.
An instinctive player who can be aggressive or deliberate, Paecht knows how to adjust and when to alter his style. His strengths include endurance, quickness, field awareness, technique and a high soccer IQ. “I can improve my speed,’’ Paecht said. “I’m relying on conditioning and sprints to get faster.’’
Paecht’s top thrill in high school soccer has been the two times the Panthers have qualified for the playoffs. And, his best game was against Norton last year when Holliston won, 3-2. “Norton is a big rival, and it was late with the scored tied at 2-2,’’ Paecht recalled. “I was able to head the ball to a teammate who scored. I played an all-around game and also got the game-winning assist. The playoffs have been a great experience because tourney play is tense, and there’s a lot at stake.’’
A fan of Holliston’s other captains — Patrick Mejia and James Crews — Paecht is also pleased Dupuis is his coach. “Patrick is a midfielder/defender who contributes on offense and defense,’’ Paecht said. “He’s a catalyst. James is another midfielder/defender who has a high soccer IQ and plays with intensity. Coach Dupuis has helped a lot with my confidence. He’s also a motivator, a good tactician and calm under pressure.’’
An honor-roll student, Paecht isn’t sure where he’ll go to college or what he’ll major in. He’s interested in playing collegiate soccer but prefers to focus on his last two seasons at Holliston.
A player whose athletic philosophy is to compete to win, reach one’s potential and to enjoy the sport, Paecht firmly believes that reaching one’s potential and enjoying the day-to-day routine will lead to winning situations. “Good life lessons can also be learned in athletics,’’ he emphasized. “Overcoming adversity, working for the good of the team and setting goals are lessons that can be learned. I also hope to develop better leadership skills in my role as captain.’’
Dupuis detected early on that Paecht had plenty of promise to become a quality player. He determined that when Paecht was in fifth grade. “Jonny’s older brother Jordan was on our team,’’ Dupuis recalled. “When I saw Jonny play as a fifth-grader, his skills were almost as good as Jordan’s.’’
Jonny Paecht has all the attributes to be dominant in the TVL for the next two years.
Issue Date:
October, 2017
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