Senior year has been a whirlwind for Jonathan Sanchez, a dynamic player for the Mt. Hebron Vikings boys soccer team, who’s played pivotal roles across the field throughout high school. Now, Sanchez is heading into the Class 3A state championship game against River Hill, facing them at Loyola Maryland's Ridley Athletic Complex. With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, it’s a high-stakes moment, one Sanchez and his team have been working toward all season.
Sanchez recently reflected with the Howard County Times on his journey, his emotions, and the excitement of playing for the state title. Here’s a closer look at his senior season, his mindset as a leader, and his hopes as he suits up one last time.
Reflecting on Senior Year: A Rollercoaster Journey
Describing this year as a “rollercoaster” of emotions, Sanchez has seen highs and lows, with early struggles giving way to a fantastic playoff run. “The start of the season wasn’t the best for us, but toward the end, we got ourselves together,” Sanchez shares. He proudly recalls key victories over strong teams like Chesapeake and North Hagerstown, who was the top seed, and especially their recent win against last year’s state champs, South River. “Probably the best year of soccer we’ve had,” he adds, underscoring how this season has cemented itself as a memorable finale to his high school career.
From Goalie to Midfield and Back: Embracing Change
Throughout his time with the Vikings, Sanchez has shown versatility, moving from goalie to midfield as needed. It wasn’t a role he anticipated, especially during his sophomore year, but he quickly adapted, learning the ins and outs of being a field player. “Moving from goalie to midfield wasn’t the idea I had, but learning to play on the field has helped me a lot,” Sanchez admits. This season, he's back in goal, bringing valuable field experience that has bolstered the team’s defense and allowed him to strategize effectively.
High-Pressure Moments: Penalty Kick Shootouts
Penalty shootouts are often the ultimate test of skill and nerve, and Sanchez knows this well. Describing these moments as "crazy" and “nerve-wracking,” he reflects on the intensity, especially during their shootout against South River in the playoffs. “That penalty kick had up and down emotions because we thought it was the end of the season.” Yet, for Sanchez, the key to surviving these pressure-cooker moments is all about mental focus. “As a goalie, I was just thinking, ‘I have to save this ball.’ I focused on getting into the player’s head, trying to make him miss or force him to one side,” Sanchez reveals. It’s a mindset he’s honed, one that’s helped him remain steady when his team needs him most.
The Thrill of Facing River Hill Again
For Sanchez, the upcoming state title game carries an extra layer of excitement. They’re set to face River Hill, a team they played earlier in the season but didn’t quite get the result they wanted. “We wanted to play River Hill again since we didn’t have the best game back in the regular season,” Sanchez explains. Now, with another chance on the biggest stage, he’s motivated to finish strong and help his team secure the win they’ve been working toward.
Hopes and Emotions for the State Title Game
When asked what excites him most about the state championship, Sanchez doesn’t hesitate: “Winning states, playing with my teammates for the very last time, and having a happy ending.” With a mix of excitement and nerves, Sanchez is ready to step onto the field one last time for Mt. Hebron, determined to savor every moment. “You never know, anything can happen in soccer,” he admits. But the overwhelming feeling? “Excitement because the team made it this far, and we really want to win this.”
School Spirit and Community Support
Leading up to the state title game, Sanchez and the Vikings have felt an incredible wave of support from their school community. “Everyone has been supporting us. They’ve been telling us, ‘You guys got this,’” he says, expressing gratitude for the encouragement that has fueled their playoff run. Sanchez particularly notes how the bench players have become vocal motivators, getting in the heads of their opponents and hyping up the team—a dynamic he believes has made a real difference in their performance.
Lessons from Early Season Losses
Despite some early-season setbacks, Sanchez and his teammates found valuable lessons in every defeat. “It’s about never giving up,” he says. Missing a few starters early on, including key defenders and their striker, the team struggled at times. But as those players returned, the squad began to gel, with each member stepping up and playing with heart. “The whole team just stepped up and had passion for the sport and gave it their all for all 80 minutes of the game.”
Game Day Rituals and Superstitions
Every athlete has a few quirky traditions, and Sanchez is no different. This season, a peculiar superstition has taken hold: starting a freshman at left midfield for the first ten minutes before subbing him out. So far, it’s been a winning strategy. “Each time we’ve done that, we’ve been winning,” Sanchez laughs, noting that his teammates have even urged him not to change his worn-out cleats and gloves, convinced they’re part of their winning formula.
Soundtrack for Success: Pregame Playlist
Music plays a big part in setting Sanchez’s mindset before games, with Spanish pop and reggaetón often blaring through his headphones. Rauw Alejandro and Bad Bunny are his go-to artists, their energetic beats helping him zone in and prepare for the challenges on the field. It’s a soundtrack that has accompanied Sanchez and the Vikings through a successful season and now into their final, and most important, game.
Team Comedians and Future Coaches
Soccer is a team sport, and Sanchez is quick to highlight the personalities that keep everyone smiling and motivated. Sophomore Saleem Mechtat, for example, stands out as the funniest guy on the team. “He brings joy to the team and makes everyone laugh,” Sanchez says. As for the teammate most likely to become a coach? That would be Tyler Hagyard. “His mentality, ever since the start of the season, was a great mindset,” says Sanchez, who notes that Hagyard has been like an extra coach, guiding younger players and providing direction on the field.
Dreaming of Golden Goals
If he could choose how to win the state title, Sanchez admits that scoring a golden goal would be the dream scenario. “Imagine scoring a game-winner for the state title and winning it for the whole school and your team,” he says, eyes lighting up at the thought of such a moment. The thrill of a sudden-death victory, in his view, would make for an unforgettable ending to a high school career full of memorable moments.
Season Highlights: The Save of a Lifetime
Out of all the moments this season, one stands above the rest for Sanchez: his clutch save in overtime against South River. With the season on the line, and his teammates’ belief squarely on his shoulders, Sanchez stepped up, delivering a crucial penalty save that kept their championship dreams alive. “Most of the players thought the season was over, but they all believed in me, so I had to step up,” he recalls, adding that this save will forever be etched in his memory as a defining moment in his journey.
As Sanchez takes the field for the final time with the Vikings, there’s no doubt he’ll be giving it his all. The journey has been challenging, filled with unexpected turns and unforgettable victories, but it’s a journey he’ll carry with him long after the final whistle blows.
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