Mililani, HI
Moanalua made history on Saturday night, rallying late to defeat Mililani 13-6 and capture the program's first HHSAA Division I Girls Flag Football State Championship. In a game that featured two of Hawai‘i's top teams, the Na Menehune found themselves trailing for most of the contest before delivering two fourth-quarter touchdowns to complete a memorable comeback. The championship victory capped off a remarkable season for Moanalua, which finished with a 16-1 record and secured the first state title in school history. Under the lights at John Kauinana Stadium, the Na Menehune showed the resilience that had defined their season, finding a way to deliver when the stakes were at their highest.
Mililani struck first and controlled much of the game early. Quarterback Tiana Nelson connected with Kamryn Solmorin on a four-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter to give the Trojans a 6-0 lead. Both defenses settled in from there, forcing punts and limiting scoring opportunities as the game turned into a defensive battle. Mililani's defense continued to hold firm throughout the second and third quarters, keeping Moanalua off the scoreboard and maintaining its advantage heading into the final period.
With time beginning to run out, Moanalua's offense finally found its rhythm. Quarterback Breidi-Ann Higa led a fourth-quarter drive that resulted in a three-yard touchdown pass to Quigstinn Rose Yoshihara, tying the game at six with just over eight minutes remaining. The score energized the Na Menehune sideline and shifted momentum in their favor. After spending most of the evening trying to break through against Mililani's defense, Moanalua suddenly found itself with an opportunity to complete the comeback.
The championship-winning moment came in the final minute of regulation. With 38 seconds remaining, Higa delivered a strike to Jodie Keo for a 25-yard touchdown that gave Moanalua its first lead of the night. A successful conversion pushed the lead to seven and put the Na Menehune within seconds of history. Higa finished the game with 148 passing yards and two touchdown passes, while Yoshihara and Keo each found the end zone in the biggest moments of the season. Iaorana "Alofa" Simanu also played a major role offensively, leading Moanalua with five receptions for 65 yards while adding an interception on the defensive side of the ball.
Moanalua's defense proved equally important in the championship effort. The Na Menehune recorded five sacks and consistently pressured Mililani's offense throughout the night. Zaira Sugui led the team with 11 tackles, while Styralynn Hoakalei Reyes and Jailyn "JJ" Smith combined for four sacks. Every stop became increasingly important as the game remained within one possession, and the defense answered every challenge that came its way. Their ability to keep Mililani from extending its lead ultimately gave the offense the chance it needed to complete the comeback.
The victory marked another major accomplishment for a Moanalua athletic program that has enjoyed tremendous success throughout the school year. Along with the girls' flag football state championship, the Na Menehune also captured state titles in boys volleyball and boys track and field, adding to an already memorable year for the school. For the girls' flag football team, however, this championship will forever hold a special place in program history. As the final seconds ticked away, Moanalua secured not only a state title but the first girls' flag football championship banner the school has ever earned.
Final Score: Moanalua 13 - Mililani 6
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
Pictures taken by Kennedy Velasco: @kennnchapo
Menehune Magic
Video by: Logan Pactol
