BATTLE CREEK — The Niles football team could not quite keep pace with host Battle Creek Central in a 49-42 loss to the Bearcats Friday night.

Trailing 7-0 after one quarter, the Vikings (2-6) outscored Central 21-14 in the second quarter to tie the game at 21-21 heading into halftime.

The Bearcats (2-6) outscored Niles 28-21 in the second half to pull out the victory. Both teams scored a pair of touchdowns in the final quarter.

Battle Creek Central finished the night with 534 yards of total offense, including 367 yards rushing. Niles finished with 347 yards of total offense. The Vikings ran for 133 yards and passed for 214.

Niles senior Javond Ball ran for 129 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown, while Brayden Lake was 14-of-21 for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Nate Goins hauled in four of those passes for 169 yards and both scores.

Defensively for the Vikings, Jason Matlock had seven and a half tackles and Ball added seven stops. Ball had a pair of interceptions.

Niles also got six tackles from both Demarien Nichols and Ryan Franco.

The Vikings will wrap up the 2019 season by hosting Portage Central in a SMAC West Division contest.

Friday will be Senior Night and Pink Night for the Vikings. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.