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12/12/2018 11:00 PMChris Bouton recently completed his career with the Branford football team by helping the Hornets turn in their first winning season in nine years. The senior captain played a couple of key roles for the Hornets this fall. Chris slotted into the tight end position on offense, where he scored three touchdowns and totaled 317 yards on 10 receptions. On defense, he played a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position called an anchor. Chris recorded 55 tackles, including 15 for a loss, to go with four sacks on his to way garnering All-SCC Tier 3 accolades as a defensive lineman.
Chris feels proud that he helped Branford make major strides these past few seasons. Chris believes the Hornets are in a stronger position going forward as a result of the efforts of he and his teammates.
“I’m really proud that we’re leaving the program better than it was when we came in,” Chris says. “When I came in freshman year, we were 4-6. This year, we had the first winning record since 2009.”
In order to secure that 6-4 season, Chris and the Hornets needed to defeat longtime rival East Haven in the teams’ annual matchup. Chris says the victory was special not just because it came against the Yellowjackets, but also because it really meant something to Branford’s senior athletes.
“The win against East Haven was definitely something that we needed. Not only did it mean we had a winning season, but we kept our rivals from going to the playoffs,” says Chris. “We had a mission to complete, and we did it. Everyone on the team wanted to get the seniors out of the school with something special. It had to happen, and we made it happen.”
Chris served as senior captain for Branford and, be it at practice or come game time, he was all business. Chris made sure that everyone took their jobs seriously, while getting the underclassmen involved every chance he could.
“There’s a reason you got chosen for that captain’s spot. You have to be that stereotypical leader. You can’t mess around or everyone else will think it’s OK,” Chris says. “With the younger guys, you have to get them in on everything. They can sit in the back a lot. I try to pick them up and keep them focused.”
As a tight end, one of Chris’s most valuable assets was picking up yards with his leaping ability and great hands. The pass plays designed for Chris often resulted in a jump-ball, and he used every advantage he had in order to come down with the catch.
“When it comes to making catches against a defender, leverage is everything. It depends on your position on the defender when the ball is in the air,” says Chris. “There are some plays you need to undercut and other plays you need to get above the defender. It’s all just going up for the ball, though. The height advantage is also there, because I’m able to go up and get the ball.”
When Chris played the anchor, he affected opposing offenses in a variety of ways. If Chris wasn’t making life difficult for the tight end, he would use his arsenal of moves to get the offensive line off-balance. Chris could get behind the line of scrimmage by utilizing a quick first step.
“Play by play, I was trying to get my hands on the tackle or tight end. I was trying to close the gap to bounce them out,” he says. “Getting behind the line, it’s pretty much just speed. I was able to take a step and get behind them. We’re always taught not too deep, so they can’t undercut us, and we can’t do anything about it. I try to just to get the blockers on their heels.”
Head Coach John Limone was impressed with the skillset that Chris brought to Branford and felt pleased to see him have such a big senior year. Limone says that Chris became a major force for the Hornets who other teams had to try to find a way to stop.
“Chris had an outstanding senior season for us. We knew early on that Chris was a talented kid. It took him a little bit of time to find his niche. This year, not only did he have an outstanding season as a player, but he established himself as a leader on the team,” Limone says. “At tight end, he made some huge catches in big spots, and he averaged 31 yards every catch. He gave us everything he had every time he went out there. He was All-SCC and an absolute force as a defensive end. He came out of his shell and really found his confidence.”
Chris wants to play football in college and would like to stay close to home if possible. He feels grateful for everyone who’s supported him and credits Branford’s coaching staff for helping him become a vocal leader who gained a lot of confidence.
“I couldn’t do anything without the support that I’ve been given. None of this would be possible without people like my friends and family,” Chris says. “Also, the Branford coaching staff. They were what gave me the confidence boost last year to arrive and be who I am now. They told me if I tried hard enough, I’d be able to do it. If I wanted it, I can get it. They didn’t give up, and they put me at different positions to see which worked best.”