Leilehua challenged Campbell in the state flag football championship, but Campbell successfully defended their title.
Campbell's Flag Football Team Roars to Victory, with Shaleah Moore Leading the Charge
Sophomore defensive powerhouse Shaleah Moore spearheaded Campbell's dominating 6-0 triumph over Leilehua in the inaugural Hawaii Dental Service/HHSAA Flag Football State Championships on Saturday night at Mililani's John Kauinana Stadium.
Under Moore's relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, the Lady Sabers clamped down on Leilehua, claiming their first state flag football championship.
Senior quarterback Maya Gonsalves scored the game's only touchdown in the first half, and Campbell leaned heavily on their rock-solid defense to maintain the lead. Moore's unyielding pressure on opposing quarterbacks left an indelible mark on the tournament[1][4].
"I'm pleasantly surprised. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd play football, but here I am today," Moore admitted. "Don't let size deceive you. You've just got to keep training, polishing your skills, and demonstrating courage."
Injury-plagued Leilehua faced some tough breaks. Quarterback/safety Cali Moniz-Kealoha was hospitalized earlier in the day. She gritted her teeth and played through the championship game, but due to health concerns, she couldn't continue in the second half.
"Cali was hospitalized today. Yesterday, she was feeling under the weather," coach Bryant Moniz said. "She went to the ER and received treatment. The doctor warned her not to play. I'm incredibly proud of her for giving it everything she had."
Before the match began, rain drenched the synthetic turf, but the skies cleared in the first quarter.
After losing to Mililani in the OIA playoffs, Campbell went on a four-game winning streak. Wins over Baldwin (27-18), Kamehameha (28-20 in two overtimes), and Mililani (14-0) propelled the Lady Sabers into the championship game.
Battered but not beaten, Leilehua showcased their strongest performances after a 32-6 loss to Moanalua. The Lady Mules strung together five straight wins, including three at the state tournament. They knocked out Hawaii Prep (25-6), top-seeded Moanalua (7-6), and Punahou (18-12) to advance to the finals.
Leilehua's crowds came alive with two minutes left in the third quarter as Madi Powell intercepted a Gonsalves pass at the Mules' 38-yard line. A questionable offsides call on Campbell helped Leilehua secure a first down at the Sabers' 39-yard line late in the third.
With Moniz-Kealoha sidelined and Powell taking the helm, the Mules faced a fourth-and-16 at the Campbell 36-yard line. Powell's pass was picked off by Aiesha DeWeever at the Sabers' 20-yard line.
The Mules' following offensive series began at their 34-yard line with seven minutes left. Powell tried to spark the offense with her speed, but the tenacious Moore shut her down. Powell's first-down completion, a fluttering sideline pass, to Kaitlyn Pres kept the drive alive.
Wide receiver Aulii Coelho joined Moniz-Kealoha on the sidelines after an injury.
On fourth-and-12 from the Campbell 32-yard line, Powell's deep pass was snatched by Jaynalyn Sotelo, giving the ball back to Campbell with three minutes left on the clock.
"I couldn't be prouder of these 14 athletes who played their hearts out," Moniz summed up.
[1] [2025, April 30]. "Campbell girl flag players leverage big-game backgrounds." Honolulu Star-Advertiser. https://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/20250430_campbell-girl-flag-players-leverage-big-game-backgrounds.html
[2] [2025, April 30]. "Lady Sabers, Moore prevail in tournament thriller." Hawaii News Now. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/04/30/campbell-girls-flag-football-team-wins-historic-team-title/
[3] [2025, April 28]. "Campbell girls flag football primed for state title run." Hawaii News Now. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/04/28/high-school-sports-campbell-girls-flag-football-working-toward-state-title-run/
[4] [2025, April 26]. "Campbell tops Kamehameha in flag football semifinals." Hawaii News Now. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/04/26/campbell-girl-flag-football-team-使間派女子フラグフットボールチーム：カメハメハクリップと進入終局
- Shaleah Moore, the quarterback-harassing defensive powerhouse, not only benefited from her relentless pursuit in the championship game but also left a lasting impression on the tournament.
- Despite senior quarterback Maya Gonsalves' touchdown and the rock-solid defense, the team was surprised to see the Lady Sabers' football player, Moore, admitting she never dreamt she'd play sports, let alone football.
- Injuries took a toll on Leilehua, with starting quarterback/safety Cali Moniz-Kealoha's performance in the zone being impacted during the championship game due to her hospitalization.
