Key Bird is key in Moanalua’s flag football win over Leilehua

Shaydenurijah Key Bird hauled in two touchdowns as Moanalua escaped with a 19-13 opening-round win over Leilehua on Monday night in the Hawaii Dental/HHSAA Flag Football State Championships.

OIA runner-up Moanalua (13-1) will meet BIIF champion Konawaena at 4 p.m. Thursday at Mililani’s John Kauinana Stadium in the quarterfinal round.

Key Bird’s speed was a game changer. Her first TD, a 33-yard reception, helped Moanalua take a 7-6 lead. Her 65-yard catch and run made it 13-6 early in the second half. Her performance was crucial as Leilehua bracketed Moanalua’s top target, Jodie Keo, from start to finish.

“We had to stay together as a team,” Key Bird said. “We’re relieved for now. We move on to the second round.”

Key Bird finished with five receptions for 112 yards. Keo, who was named to the U.S. national team last month, had seven catches for 61 yards and one TD. It is a recipe that will continue as defenses key on the explosive senior playmaker.

“I told my teammates because they’re double-guarding me that means somebody’s going to be open. Run your routes open. Our quarterback will get us the ball,” Keo said.

The last time the two programs met was in the 2025 state tournament. Leilehua switched up defensively and stunned Moanalua 7-6 in the state quarterfinal round. The Lady Mules went on to beat Punahou 18-12 before losing to Campbell 6-0 the state championship game.

Moanalua won its first 13 games this season before losing to Waianae in the OIA title game, 35-31, a week ago.

This time around, Leilehua used a mix of man-to-man and zone coverages. Moanalua’s freshman QB, Breidi-Ann Higa, went 20-for-37 for 246 yards with three TDs. She missed on a couple of potential TDs but did not turn the ball over.

The Lady Mules hung close and inserted safety Cali Moniz-Kealoha at QB after falling behind in the second half 19-6. The junior almost completed the comeback.

Leilehua was in range to tie or win the game in the final minutes. After an illegal contact penalty on Moanalua’s blitzer, Jailyn Smith, Leilehua had the ball at the 7-yard line. Leilehua was whistled for illegal contact, moved back 10 yards, and Moniz completed a 9-yard pass to Riah Salevalasi to the 8-yard line.

After a short run by Moniz, Leilehua had third and goal from the 7-yard line. After 20 seconds ran off the clock, the Mules called time out with 22 ticks left. Moniz rolled right, but Smith sacked her for a 7-yard loss.

Leilehua called time out with seven seconds left. Moniz’s pass into the end zone fell incomplete, and Moanalua advanced to the quarterfinals.

Leilehua closes the year 6-9 overall.

“It was tough. We knew if we could get past this one, we like the road forward. Unfortunately, we fell 10 yards short,” Leilehua coach Bryant Moniz said. “Our girls fought hard. They played very well. I’m sure, if I had to predict, they’re going to end up back in the state dance. It was a tough season. We battled a lot of great teams this year. It was a great season for the Lady Mules.”