RALEIGH - The Mount Airy Bears defeated the Tarboro Vikings by a score of 20-7 in the NCHSAA 1A state championship game at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Bears took the opening kickoff and drove all the way down the field. Running back Tyler Mason scored his first of three touchdowns on a 15-yard run to take a 7-0 lead.

Both defenses played outstanding during the first half. Mason's 30-yard punt return helped the Bears gain valuable field position. He scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard plunge right before halftime to increase the lead to 14-0.

The Bear took advantage of a blocked punt to score their last touchdown of the game. Mason capped off his MVP performance with another 1-yard run to make the score 20-7.

Tarboro got on the board late in the third quarter after Omarion Lewis intercepted an Ian Gallimore pass deep in Bear territory. A few plays later, Mason Satterfield scored from 9-yards out to cut the lead to 20-7.

Mount Airy had 218 yards of total offense led by Mason's 23-carry 139-yard performance. Tarboro had 179 total yards led by Kamerin McDowell-Moore's 119 rushing yards.

On defense, the Bears were led by Gallimore with 14 tackles. Caleb Reid, Connor Burrell, and Walker Stroup added 9 tackles each.

For the Vikings, Isaiah Jones had 9 tackles while Lewis added 8 tackles. Jamarion Smith made 7 tackles and Shermardra Clark had 5.

Mount AIry ends their season at 15-1 while Tarboro falls to 13-2 for the 2022 season.