The Avery Vikings lost a tight contest to the Swain County Maroon Devils by a final score of 15-8 at MacDonald Stadium Friday night.
Swain took a 15-0 lead with the help of a generous Avery defense, who fumbled three times in the opening half while throwing a pair of interceptions. Avery suffered an additional setback late in the first half when starting quarterback Adam Pate suffered a leg injury and did not return to the contest.
The only Viking touchdown in the game came courtesy of a 79-yard Chris Childress punt return in the third quarter. Avery drove deep into Swain territory midway through the fourth quarter, but Avery could not capitalize.
Swain will travel to Mount Airy next week to take on the undefeated Granite Bears, who pasted North Moore by the final score of 79-0 last night. Avery closes its season with an overall record of 5-7, and a tie for second place in Western Highlands Conference play.
