KALAMAZOO — The four game losing streak for the Niles football team is over.

The Vikings broke into the win column with an 18-13 SMAC victory over host Kalamazoo Central Friday night.

Joe Avance, who suffered a neck injury last week, moved to quarterback for the Vikings and threw a pair of touchdown passes.

Niles played against the Maroon Giants minus 11 starters, 10 due to injuries. Mitchell Findeisen missed Friday night’s game after being ejected last week.

Avance teamed up with Alex Harpenau, who had been the Vikings’ starting quarterback, for a 20-yard touchdown to give Niles a 6-0 advantage.

Avance also threw an 80-yard score to freshman Tre Gray in the second quarter as Niles led 12-6 at halftime.

The Vikings increased their lead to 18-6 in the third quarter on a 4-yard run by Josh Buckingham.

Kalamazoo Central scored to cut the lead to 18-13, but was held out of the end zone by the Niles defense in the final quarter.

The Vikings face undefeated Portage Central for homecoming Friday night.