Moanalua Rallies Past Mililani Late to Capture Division I Flag Football State Title
Moanalua erased a fourth-quarter deficit and scored twice in the final eight minutes to defeat Mililani 13-6 and win the Hawaii Dental Service/HHSAA Division I Girls Flag Football State Championship on Saturday night at John Kauinana Stadium.
Freshman quarterback Breidi-Ann Higa delivered the game-winning moment with 38 seconds remaining, finding Jodie Keo for a 25-yard touchdown on fourth down to give Na Menehune their first Division I state title.
After trailing 6-0 for most of the game in rainy conditions, Moanalua finally broke through early in the fourth quarter when Higa connected with Qingstinn Rose Yoshihara for a 25-yard touchdown to tie the game.
Moanalua’s defense played a major role in the comeback, shutting out Mililani after the Trojans’ opening-quarter score. Styralyn Hoakalei Reyes recorded key sacks late, while tournament Most Outstanding Player Iaorana “Alofa” Simanu came up with a critical interception to help swing momentum.
Higa added a conversion pass to Shaydennurijah Key Byrd after the go-ahead touchdown to extend the lead to 13-6.
The Trojans advanced into Moanalua territory on the final drive, but Na Menehune closed out the win to cap a 16-1 season and secure the program’s biggest victory to date.