As a returning veteran, Reese Boucher knows his role at Sanford is to be a leader in all situations on and off the field for the football program. The Spartans will need Boucher to be at his best to compete with the powerhouses of Class A. (ED PIERCE/Journal Tribune)

Years from now when Sanford lineman Reese Boucher reflects back on his senior season as a Spartan, he’s hoping it will be filled with enduring memories and possibly a run at a state title.

Boucher, standing 6 foot 4 and weighing 280 pounds, anchors both the offensive and defensive lines for Sanford entering his third and final season as a member of Sanford’s varsity football squad.

“Truly the best thing about playing on the line is the contact and the adrenaline rush you get every time the ball is snapped,” Boucher said. “The worst thing about being a lineman is that we put in the hardest work, but the running backs and some of the other positions get all the glory.”

As a returning veteran, Boucher says he knows his role on the team is to be a leader in all situations on and off the field.

“My greatest challenge this year is going to be getting the new players to buy into what coach is saying so that we can win games,” he said. “What I like the most about football is the teamwork, the brotherhood you build and the bonds that you make. And above everything else, it’s fun.”

His play on the field speaks for itself and in recognition for his efforts last season, Boucher was named to the 2018 Journal Tribune Football All-Star Team. 

His mission to lead and inspire now heading into his senior year is crucial to the Spartans’ success in 2019. Sanford’s line on both sides of the ball has been depleted by graduation and Boucher says it is time for him to step up to the forefront and motivate his teammates.

“I think we’re doing good so far,” Boucher said. “It’s a lot of teaching and getting everyone on the same page.”

Sanford High football head coach Mike Fallon agrees that Boucher will be pivotal to the Spartans’ hopes this coming year.

“Reese is an excellent young man. He has developed a strong work ethic academically and athletically,” Fallon said. “He has also developed a passion for football that has inspired him to work harder at school and pursue football after high school.”

Fallon said that Boucher’s teammates and coaches hold him in high regard.  

“He will be the cornerstone of our offensive and defensive lines and we will lean on him to be a dominant player and a team leader,” Fallon said. 

Hoping to suit up to play college football someday, Boucher said he wants to major in computer science or criminal justice in college with an ultimate goal of becoming an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Mathematics is his favorite subject in school.

“It just comes easy to me,” he said.

When he’s not in class or at football practice, Boucher said that he can be found hanging out with his friends, working out or playing some kind of other sport. 

His interest in football began years ago through watching NFL games on television and it led him to sign up for youth football.

“My first team was the Green Machines in the Sanford Springvale Youth Athletic Association,” Boucher said. “I’ve stuck with it ever since.”

Turning 17 soon, Boucher said his favorite movie is “American Sniper” and he also enjoys watching “The Flash” on television.

But make no mistake, when it comes to suiting up for football, Boucher is serious and committed to doing whatever it takes to help the Spartans win.

He said that years from now, he wants to recall 2019 as one of the best years of his life for a number of reasons. 

“The one thing I want to take away the most from this year is that it would be really good to win a state championship, but I really want to look back at the memories of how great it was and the memories we make together as a team.”