Mililani, HI
History was made in the first-ever OIA D2 Girls Flag Football Championship as Kalaheo handed undefeated Kapolei their first loss of the season in a 28-25 battle that came down to the wire. With two of the top teams in the division meeting for the title, the atmosphere matched the moment from the opening whistle. Momentum swung back and forth all night as both sides traded scores and answered each other possession after possession. Every drive felt important, and neither team backed down with a championship on the line.
Kapolei came into the matchup undefeated behind one of the most explosive offenses in the division, and the Hurricanes showed exactly why early in the game. Quarterback Taimane Amisone led the offense with 281 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, spreading the ball around to multiple playmakers throughout the night. Galeano-Soares found the end zone twice, while Kauwe hauled in 10 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown to keep the offense moving. Even when momentum shifted, Kapolei continued to respond and kept itself within striking distance until the final moments.
Kalaheo continued to answer every challenge that came their way and never let the moment get too big. Quarterback Elizabeth Kennedy controlled the offense with over 260 passing yards while also making key plays with her legs to extend drives. Big-time connections to Kekauoha-Viena and Stroney helped Kalaheo stay in rhythm offensively, especially late in the second half when possessions became even more important. The composure Kalaheo showed in key moments helped keep the game under control despite the pressure coming from the undefeated Hurricanes.
The game itself never truly felt out of reach for either side, which made the championship atmosphere even more intense as the night went on. Every score was answered with another big play, and both sidelines brought energy throughout the entire matchup. As the fourth quarter approached, the pressure only continued to rise with every possession becoming more meaningful. It was the type of game that showcased how much the sport has continued to grow across the state and why both teams earned their place in the championship.
As the game tightened late, Kalaheo’s defense came through with some of the biggest plays of the night. Multiple interceptions shifted momentum and gave the offense extra opportunities in critical moments of the game. Those defensive stops proved to be the difference as Kalaheo held off Kapolei’s final push to secure the championship. In the end, Kalaheo walked away with the inaugural OIA D2 Girls Flag Football title, while Kapolei capped off a strong season that showed why they were one of the top teams in the division all year long.
Final Score: Kalaheo 28 - Kapolei 25
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery.
Pictures taken by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
One of Wun
Video by: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
