MILILANI — In one of the biggest upsets of the inaugural HHSAA Girls Flag Football State Championships, Leilehua knocked off previously unbeaten and top-seeded Moanalua, 7-6, on Thursday night at John Kauinana Stadium.
Senior defensive back Madi Powell came up huge with three interceptions—including two in the second half and one in the final 20 seconds—to lead a smothering Mules defense. The win advances Leilehua (9-2), the fifth-place finisher in the OIA, to Friday’s 7:30 p.m. semifinal against ILH runner-up Punahou.
Leilehua’s lone touchdown came early, when Cali Moniz-Kealoha hit Maddison Andres-Martinez for a 20-yard score. Moniz-Kealoha ran in the extra point to make it 7-0. Moanalua struggled to find offensive rhythm, committing four turnovers—three of them to Powell. Freshman star receiver Jodie Keo, who torched the Mules in a regular-season meeting, was held to just two catches for 35 yards.
Despite a late touchdown by Moanalua quarterback Zaira Sugui to Heart Drianda Villacortez, Powell’s fourth-down interception on Moanalua’s final possession sealed the victory. Pass rushers Minei Haiola-Borges and Kaitlyn Pres were instrumental, combining for five sacks and constant pressure on Sugui.
Leilehua, which lost 32-6 to Moanalua in April, has now won four straight games and will look to continue its Cinderella run.
Photos: Lori McKeown
