Lincoln flag football QB Sanija Waller applies talent with passion to attain gridiron excellence

Football is more than a game for Lincoln High's Sanija Waller. 

She fully emerges herself in the lifestyle and culture of the sport. Her comprehension of formation and coverage is at a master level. Waller's also bilingual who is fluent in football lingo.

In the fall, she suited up with the boys playing tackle football. This spring, she traded in her pads for flags around her waist. 

But no matter the season, her zealous pigskin vibe remains intact. 

On Thursday, the sophomore quarterback concluded a superb regular season by leading the Trojans to a 27-7 win over Leon. 

Lincoln's triumph snapped a three-game losing streak. It enters the postseason with a record of 9-4. The Trojans swept the Lions this spring. Leon falls to 5-10 overall. 

Waller was the complete package versus Leon. She threw for one touchdown and dashed across the goal line for another. Her highlight reel occurred in the first half. She sat out the second half to rest based on a coaching decision.

Now, her main topic of discussion is preparation for next week's flag football district tournament. 

"It was good to play and beat Leon. It was one last game before districts. I'm going to be more serious going into the tournament and continue to push on so we can go further," Waller said.

Her stat line for the year includes 11 total touchdowns (8 passing, 3 rushing). 

Waller is a multisport athlete. She's played softball and currently races as a sprinter on the track team. This summer, she'll compete with an AAU basketball squad.

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She transfers the speed and agility elements from those sports to the gridiron. However, the most valuable learning tool came from being on the junior varsity football team. 

Dressing in full gear enhanced her natural talents for flag football. The JV program is a brotherhood. But there was room within the fraternity to welcome a sister to the mix. 

"It was an amazing experience being the only girl and getting to play with the boys. You have to have the passion and the heart to play. They treated me like their own," Waller said.

"I just love football. I've been playing it for a while. Every day, I fall more in love with the sport. It's the communication and love that you feel with each player having fun."

Waller played wide receiver, kicker and punter. Her route-running abilities caught the attention of everyone at practice.

Cornerbacks who doubted her speed soon learned not to slack off on their coverage. She described putting them on skates as "an amazing feeling."

Lincoln flag football head coach Brandon Youmans is mesmerized by her unique gifts. She creates space for him to get creative in his play-calling to maximize her potential.

"She's an awesome athlete. She can do everything and is a student of the game," Youmans said. 

"With her speed, you have to do some stuff to get her out of the pocket. I'm proud of her for what she can do. She's a jack of all trades. I'm excited she's on my team."  

Her passion for football isn't limited to the high school level. Waller's favorite college team is the Oregon Ducks. The luring appeal for Oregon came from their assortment of uniform ensembles. 

When it comes to the NFL, Waller's fanhood aligns her with the Seattle Seahawks. As a mobile quarterback, she patterns her game in the image of Russell Wilson.

Waller is a native Floridian, but the infatuation with the Pacific Northwest extends to her TV viewing.

During her downtime, she enjoys binge-watching shows on Netflix. Waller recently finished the entire series of Grey's Anatomy. The location of the program takes place in Seattle. 

Her infatuation with Grey's Anatomy goes beyond the dramatic storylines. Waller has aspirations of going to medical school and becoming an anesthesiologist.

Follow sportswriter Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.

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