Quick kicks

Central Florida ends nation’s longest losing streak

It had been 699 days since the University of Central Florida had enjoyed a feeling quite like this. So when the Golden Knights’ first win in 23 months was complete, there was only one thing to do: pull down the goalpost in a joyous celebration.

The south end goalpost, swamped by both UCF players and students, came down just as the Golden Knights’ dubious 17-game losing streak did Saturday night. UCF stormed to a big first-half lead and did just enough down the stretch to hold off Marshall 23-13 before 22,127 fans at the Citrus Bowl.

Quarterback Steven Moffett dropped to a knee, sealing the win. Seconds later, four fans already hung from the crossbar and the uprights came crashing down. A mob scene ensued with fans and players alike hugging as if a championship had been secured.

“This feels absolutely amazing,” said defensive end Chris Welsh. “When it was over I had a girl run up to me and just kiss me on the cheek. … This is awesome.”

UCF (1-2) had not won a game since Oct. 25, 2003, a 31-13 homecoming victory against Central Michigan. To put that in perspective, that was the same night that the Florida Marlins clinched the 2003 World Series against the New York Yankees. The Knights lost 10 times on the road and seven times at home and went through three coaches since last winning.

“At last the streak is dead,” said senior defensive end Paul Carrington, who had two sacks and two quarterback hurries. “And this was the only way to end it, beating Marshall and winning at home.”

“Finally, that big monkey is off our backs,” said Moffett, who won his first game as a starter.

The game was first as members of Conference USA for both UCF and Marshall (1-2).

Harris runs for 377 yards for Mount Ida

Antwan Harris ran for 377 yards on 47 carries and scored four touchdowns in Mount Ida’s 65-49 victory over Becker at Newton, Mass.

Harris’ total was the 10th-highest in NCAA Division III history. Marietta’s Dante Brown set the Division III record of 441 yards in 1996 against Baldwin-Wallace.

Harris scored on runs of 11, 54, 40 and 20 yards.