HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Moanalua girls flag football team is off to a dominant start to the season.
Undefeated early in 2026, Na Menehune boast a potent offense, outscoring opponents 210-19.
At the helm is freshman quarterback Breidi-Ann Higa, who has already thrown for more than 700 yards in her first year of high school ball.
“I wouldn’t be here without (my teammates),” Higa told Hawaii News Now. “I just feel like our team is very good together and we have really good chemistry.”
The soft-spoken Higa is the first to credit her teammates, but the signal-caller brings a wealth of experience to Salt Lake, competing with Team USA as a middle schooler.
It was a chance for the Kaneohe native to see how her game stacks up nationally.
“There’s other girls in the world that have more experience than Hawaii girls, because it’s a sanctioned sport in like Las Vegas and other places,” Higa said. “Hawaii is just new to it.”
Expectations are high for the ninth-grader, but she says she leans on her fellow Na Menehune when things feel overwhelming.
“To be honest, sometimes I feel pressured because all the expectations of me,” Higa said, “but in the end, I have really great teammates that’ll help me bring my energy up and believe in myself.”
The passing standout hasn’t missed a beat since joining Moanalua’s squad, showcasing her connection with her favorite target Jodie Keo.
It’s no surprise considering the team’s leading receiver is her cousin.
“It makes it easy to just be myself with her,” Keo said. “She trusts me with the ball and I trust her to get it to me so and I know she’s a good QB.”
The sophomore is also set to get national exposure, earning a spot on the Team USA 17-and-under national team.
“I’m just looking forward to showing everybody on the mainland that Hawaii girls can play,” Keo said. “Making a name for not only myself, but where I come from.”
For now, the duo is locked in on Moanalua’s season. They aim to repeat as OIA champions and avenge their upset loss in the inaugural state playoffs.
“I believe in my team,” Higa said. “We can win OIAs and states this year and hopefully win it all.”
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