Saranac Lake was in complete control early on, leading the Beavers 20-12 at halftime, but costly mistakes in the second half — including allowing big-time plays — led to the team’s demise.

“That really did us in, and we also had a couple of plays where we got beat deep. (Keene has) great athletes, they really do,” Red Storm head coach Sean Ryan said.

The run of 18 unanswered points in the second half gave the Keene Beavers just enough of a cushion to claim their second win of the season, improving to 2-1. The loss dropped Saranac Lake’s overall record to 0-3.

Despite coming up short on Wednesday, Ryan said his team played really well and showed a lot of improvement from its big loss last week to the Moriah Vikings.

Keene’s Avry Lavallee, left, and Molly Riggins chest bump after defeating Saranac Lake in the first-ever varsity girls flag football game at the Wilson Raymond field. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

“They are really sticking together as a team,” Ryan said. “I think that things are really coming together for us.”

Saranac Lake’s quarterback, Emma Akey, led her team with two rushing touchdowns, while also scoring through the air on a pass to Jordanna Samburgh.

“Emma’s a rockstar,” Ryan said. “She’s just as dangerous in the air as she is on the run. We’ve thrown a lot at her. We’ve changed our scheme as we’re learning the game and she is staying with it. The one thing is, she has no quit in her, so we can rely on her. She’s a freshman as well so I’m excited to keep her along and watch her develop as a player.”

Offensively, the Beavers used a mix of short passes along with reverse hand-offs to avoid the Red Storm’s defense. The team’s quarterback, Marley Harmer, connected on three strikes to the endzone to lead her team.

Both teams were held scoreless on their opening drives. Kailyn “KK” Mader then brought some life to her Saranac Lake team when she intercepted Harmer.

Saranac Lake’s Jordanna Samburgh (21) jumps up to make the catch during Wednesday’s game against Keene. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Akey converted the game’s lone turnover into points, with a three-play drive, which was capped off with a six-yard score around the halfway point of the first half.

The Beavers answered right back, going 40 yards on just one play, with Addi Van Ness taking a hand off all the way to the back of the end zone to even the score at 6-6.

After giving up the quick score, the Red Storm scored 14 unanswered points on their next two possessions. Their first touchdown came from a two-yard run from Akey after she drove the team down the length of the field in just five plays. On the next score, Akey made a short pass to Samburgh, who fought between two Keene defenders to haul in a tipped ball with 10.2 seconds left in the first half.

The Red Storm then capped off the score, with Akey making a short throw to Zuleyka Oliveras for the only successful two-point from either team in the game.

“We have some great players. We’re very fortunate and I think it’s coming together,” Ryan said. “We’ve just got to stay disciplined.”

The Keene flag football team's coaching staff celebrates after defeating the Saranac Lake Red Storm 30-20 at the Wilson Raymond Field on Wednesday. The game marked the first-ever varsity girls flag football team held in Saranac Lake. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Trailing 20-6 with a little under 10 seconds remaining, Harmer made a short pass to Haylie Buysse who took the ball 40 yards into the back of the endzone to close out the half at 20-12.

“Their team has hands, they really do,” Ryan said, “and they have that second effort, which is what you need in this sport.”

Following intermission, Pia Morelli got the scoring rally started for Keene when she took a hand-off nine yards in to make the score 20-18.

Having just given up a score, Saranac Lake drove all the way to the two-yard but it was held short after a failed fourth down attempt. While still maintaining the lead, the Red Storm defense held strong for back-to-back players before Harmer made another pass to Buysse on third down. Buysse then ran 78 yards to give her team the 24-20 lead.

Keene extended its lead with 1:12 left in the game after Harmer completed her third score through the air. This time the pass was to Lily Jones from 20 yards out to seal the win.

Saranac Lake’s Ayla Small runs past two Keene defenders during Wednesday’s game in Saranac Lake. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Saranac Lake is next scheduled to face the Ticonderoga Sentinels on Sunday, May 14 on the road with the game slated to start at noon. The Red Storm will then return home for a rematch against the AuSable Valley Patriots on Saturday, May 27 at noon.

Keene’s Addi Van Ness takes off during Wednesday’s game against Saranac Lake at the Wilson Raymond Field. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Saranac Lake’s Caterra Ratelle runs downfield during Wednesday’s game against Keene. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Keene’s Pia Morelli, right, makes a move past Saranac Lake’s Emily Gay during Wednesday’s game. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)

Saranac Lake’s Emma Akey, right, runs to outside with a Keene defender trailing her during Wednesday’s game at the Wilson Raymond Field. (Enterprise photo — Parker O’Brien)