Boulder Creek impresses in season’s early going
MARC BUCKHOUT ~MANAGING EDITOR ~ 12/14/2011

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Boulder Creek girls soccer coach Lacey Chavez acknowledges that it remains to be seen how impressive her team’s 4-0 run to the tournament title in the Paradise Valley Invitational will turn out to be.
In the season-opening event the Jaguars dominated, outscoring their opponents 25-0, including a 5-0 victory over Raymond Kellis in the Dec. 2 finals.
“Well, I really don’t know how all those teams will fare this season, but I’m pretty confident that we’ve got a very solid team,” she said.
Although the Jaguars haven’t been to the state tournament since the 2007-2008 season the coach said that’s the team’s primary goal, one she’s confident they can achieve.
“The last time we went, was when this year’s seniors were freshman,” she said. “Most of them have spent the last two seasons playing club and now they’ve come back together to play their senior seasons.”
Amongst those returners, after a two year hiatus, is senior Emily Paxton. The forward, who has accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Colorado,
said she likes the mix this
year’s team has.
“I think we’re an intelligent team because we have a lot of experience,” she said. “We haven’t all played together in a while, but it has come together quickly for us.”
Paxton said her goal is to score in every game this season, something she has done
through four contests.
Her coach said she likes her senior’s determination.
“She’s a bull dog up top,” the coach said. “She loves the challenge of digging balls out of high-pressure situations and capitalizing on the weakness of the defense.”
While Paxton figures to be a catalyst offensively, senior Stephanie Youldassis should be a staple for the Jaguars defense.
“I probably like midfield more, but I just want to help the team,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of talented players. We’re a good passing team. Our defense works well together and we do a good job of communicating.”
On Thursday the intelligence Paxton spoke of and the passing and communication skills Youldassis mentioned showed up in practice Thursday as the girls scrimmaged the Boulder Creek boy’s junior varsity squad.
After a first half in which the boys showed a distinct speed advantage the Jaguars girls tweaked their offensive attack.
Having seen long lead passes down the sidelines in the first half largely get intercepted by the quicker boys team, the girls adjusted in the second half, utilizing shorter, more direct passes. Consequently they were able to maintain possession of the ball for longer durations during the second half and created better scoring chances.
“We’re fundamentally sound,” Chavez said. “This team has very few weaknesses and we have a lot of different girls that can contribute.”
Joining Youldassis defensively is senior captain Lauryn Rasimas, junior Meghan Rettler.
“They’re both very athletic and strong, as well as fast,” Chavez said. “Lauryn is calm, yet tenacious in regaining possession of the attack. Meghan is a great communicatior and sees the field well, using her change of speed and direction to control the play.”
While the defense has posted four shutouts to start the season the offense is putting up better than six goals per contest.
While Paxton was a dynamo in the Paradise Valley Tournament, posting 9 goals and five assists, she has had some help.
Joining her upfront is fellow senior captain Catrina Hines. The coach said sophomore Brittney Magusin is another scoring threat while freshman Natalie Stephens, who tallied six goals in the first four games, also has asserted herself quickly.
“Our squad this year is very determined,” she said. “Although we have young players, they are bringing their outside experience to benefit the team all over the field, complementing our returning players in the best possible way.”
When it comes to setting goals for the season the Jaguars aren’t afraid to think big.
“We want to win state and we’re taking that goal really seriously,” Youldassis said.
After playing at North Canyon on Tuesday (results unavailable at press time) the Jaguars open the home portion of their schedule by hosting Prescott tonight and Sandra Day O’Connor on Friday. Both games start at 6 p.m.