Suffolk News-Herald

Off the field, Nilza Daughtrey may be humble about her football prowess. On the gridiron, however, she’s anything but.

&uot;I always wanted to play football,&uot; shrugs the King’s Fork Middle School student, the first girl to play in the Downtown Athletic Association (DAA) Pop Warner program. She plays defensive tackle and receiver for the Titan junior midget squad. &uot;I’m used to tackling from playing street ball with my friends.&uot;

In the midst of a game, opponents are apt to find out just how much number 53 (the one with a small ponytail sticking out the back of her helmet) has learned.

&uot;When players run into her, man, they just fall!&uot; exclaims Nilza’s older brother Marcus, who plays punter, kicker, middle linebacker, left guard, receiver, and &uot;wherever else the coaches put me!

&uot;She’s been a tomboy ever since she met me when she was born,&uot; Marcus confides. &uot;I wasn’t surprised when she wanted to play (with the DAA), because she’s crazy like that.&uot;

Next year, Nilza will be a member of the first freshman class of King’s Fork High School. She hopes to also become the first lady student to strap on the pads for the school football team. &uot;I really like to hurt people!&uot;

But while Nilza enjoys playing football, she doesn’t consider herself exceptionally special for doing so. &uot;I think there’s a lot of other girls that could do it,&uot; she says. &uot;They shouldn’t be nervous, because it’s nothing but a game. If they can play, they should just go out and do it.&uot;