Kona claims inaugural BIIF flag football championship on islands
💰 BIIF Flag Football Championship: #Konawaena Makes History with Perfect Season 🎉
It was an unforgettable night for the Konawaena girls flag football team as they stormed through their opponents and clinched the first-ever Central Pacific Bank/Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Girls Flag Football Championship. The game was played on April 24, 2025, at Kamehameha-Hawaii, where the Lady Wildcats defeated No. 2 seed Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) 27-0.
The opening round of the state tournament is set, with Kona facing Nanakuli at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Pearl City. Coach Mason Pyper couldn't help but express his admiration for the team's resolute dedication and passion for the sport.
"Our girls have shown up and have been incredibly eager to learn," he said, acknowledging the team's growth and commitment throughout the season.
Domination was the name of the game for Kona in their extraordinary 2025 season, going undefeated while averaging 34.7 points per game and only allowing 4.2[1]. Wednesday's win was their fourth shutout of the season.
Victory came as a testament to the team's sound game strategy, precision, and unrelenting determination. "We were in the right places at the right time," Coach Pyper explained, highlighting the team's discipline and attention to detail.
Standout players include quarterback Ki'ilei Leleiwi, a rising star recognized as one of the best signal callers in the state with her specific blend of patience, field awareness, and throw accuracy[1]. Number 1 slot receiver Kylie Denis also shines on both offense and defense, consistently making pivotal plays for the team[1].
Although HPA fell short in the championship round, they too will compete in the state tournament, facing Leilehua at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Mililani High School.
The success of the Konawaena girls flag football team not only reflects the program's growing influence on the Big Island but also sets a remarkable precedent for girls' flag football on the state level. As Coach Pyper puts it, "I think there's going to be some very dedicated individuals who are going to focus on this new sport opportunity. I'm sure there's a lot of young people here that love football and haven't had an opportunity to play, and now that have that opportunity."
[1] Stephen, T. (2025, April 25). Konawaena girls flag football claims historic Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship. West Hawaii Today. Retrieved from https://westhawaiitoday.com/sports/local-sports/2025/04/konawaena-girls-flag-football-claims-historic-big-island-interscholastic-federation-championship/[5] West Hawaii Today. (n.d.). Konawaena girls flag football makes history in Big Island Interscholastic Federation Championship. retrieved from https://westhawaiitoday.com/sports/local-sports/2025/04/konawaena-girls-flag-football-makes-history-in-big-island-interscholastic-federation-championship/
🔑 Takeaway: Kona's remarkable season marked the inaugural BIIF Girls Flag Football Championship win, highlighting their dominance, strategic precision, and impressive athletes like Ki'ilei Leleiwi and Kylie Denis. This historic moment not only solidified Kona as champion but also fueled a greater passion for girls' flag football on the Big Island and across Hawaii.
The Konawaena girls flag football team has ignited a passion for sports within their community, as they claimed the first-ever Central Pacific Bank/Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Girls Flag Football Championship. The team's dominance is not limited to the Big Island, as their impressive performance has set a new standard for American-football in NCAA-style, with standout players like Ki'ilei Leleiwi garnering recognition as one of the best signal callers in the state. The future of girls' football in Hawaii is bright, as Coach Mason Pyper anticipates an influx of dedicated athletes eager to seize this new opportunity and follow in the footsteps of the triumphant Konawaena team.
