Video: Isaac Lufkin finds place on football field despite having no arms

Video: Teen with no arms thrives on football field

Among Houlton football players, Isaac Lufkin blends in.

The Houlton (Maine) program is in just its second season of varsity football — after a half-century-long hiatus — and Lufkin, a place kicker for the varsity team and defensive lineman on the junior varsity team, is just one cog in a larger movement to revive the program.

He's a highly inspirational cog, however.

Lufkin, a 16-year-old junior, was born without arms. Yet it's likely one could attend a Houlton practice or game and not even notice it.

"Most are amazed that even though Issac has no arms, he needs virtually no special accommodation or treatment," Houlton head coach Brian Reynolds told MaxPreps.

"We honestly barely notice that he does face the challenge that he does."

Lufkin cherishes being part of a team. As a kicker, he excels at onside kicks; at nose guard, his quickness and balance allow him to knife through the offensive line.

Since he has difficulty making tackles, Lufkn tries to occupy opposing offensive linemen to allow his teammates to swoop in and wrap up the ball-carrier.

"It's a team sport," Lufkin said. "You definitely saw the most sportsmanship you'll see in any other game. And that's the legit reason why I play so much."

While he's just one of the guys among his teammates, Lufkin also has become a vocal leader, according to Reynolds, who says that Lufkin has had a positive effect on the school's entire football program.

While Lufkin has been a benefit to the Houlton football community, the gridiron experience has been a real asset for him as well.

"Football teaches you a lot of life lessons," Lufkin said. "It teaches you that you have to be responsible ... you've got to be able to help others and incorporate yourself with other people.

"You need to help other people in order to help the team."

Lufkin and the Houlton football program appear to be learning, developing and maturing in tandem. Houlton doubled its win total from two to four this season, and 29 of the 37 players on the team's roster this year are eligible to return for the 2016 season — including the team's motivational kicker.

Check out Lufkin in action in the video above.