WINSTON-SALEM -- Austin Shuler's 5-yard touchdown run with 2:20 left helped Swain County beat Ayden-Grifton 20-14 for the Class 1AA North Carolina High School Athletic Association championship.

Shuler finished with two TD runs for the Maroon Devils (15-1), who won their eighth state championship Saturday in 10 appearances. It was their first since 2004.

Kariym Gent ran for 120 yards for the Chargers (13-2). They had a chance to regain the lead, only to fumble on their final possession.

Cody Rich's 8-yard TD catch from Colby Hyatt in the second quarter helped stake Swain to a 14-0 halftime lead. Hyatt was named the game's most valuable player.

Ayden-Grifton fought back to tie the score in the third on Brandon Whitaker's 42-yard TD pass from Brandon Larry and Tyree Blount's 5-yard touchdown run.

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