BATTLE CREEK — The Niles football team came up just short in its attempt to win back-to-back football games for the first time since the Vikings started 3-0 in 2016.

Host Battle Creek Central (3-5) held off the Niles rally for a 49-42 SMAC non-divisional victory Friday night.

Javond Ball had a 90-yard kickoff return and a three-yard touchdown run for the Vikings, who drop to 2-6 on the season.

Dylan Canniff scored on a one-yard run, while Nate Goins caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Lake to account for the other Niles scores.

The Vikings will wrap up the 2019 season by hosting Portage Central Friday night.